LUS1NA  STRONG  MILLS 


OF  CALIF.  LIBRABY,  LOS  AHGBLES 


VERSES 

LUSINA  STRONG  MILLS 
JESSIE  MILLS 


BOSTON 
RICHARD    G.    BADGER 

iEfjt  iSorljmn  $)rrss( 
1908 


Copyright,  1908,  by  Jessie  Mills 
All  Rights  Reserved 


The  Gorham  Press,  Boston,  U.  S.  A. 


FOREWORD 

The  verses  in  this  little  volume  were  written  for  the 
most  part  in  the  year  1896.  Before  this,  since  her  girl- 
hood days,  my  mother  had  written  mainly  in  prose. 
During  that  year  we  were  almost  constantly  together  and 
took  great  pleasure  in  our  associated  work.  Afterward 
she  thought  about  publishing  what  we  had  written;  but 
we  soon  concluded  the  great  hurrying  world  would  have 
little  interest  in  our  simple  verses.  Since  she  went  away 
it  comes  to  me  to  publish  the  verses  together,  in  accord- 
ance with  her  thought,  not  "in  memory  of  her  death," 
but  to  call  to  mind  afresh  her  abounding  life;  her  energy, 
her  courage,  her  vigor  of  mind,  her  sense  of  humor,  her 
quick  sympathy  with  all  life,  whether  lived  in  the  shadow 
or  the  sunshine,  and  her  vital  interest  in  the  great  move- 
ments of  the  world,  which  kept  her  young  to  the  last. 

When  thinking  of  her,  lines  written  by  Matthew 
Arnold  of  his  father  come  to  my  mind: 

'•'  In  the  gloom  of  November  we  passed 
Days  not  dark  at  thy  side; 
Seasons  impaired  not  the  ray 
Of  thy  buoyant  cheerfulness  clear." 

As  we  were  so  closely  associated  in  the  work  an  d  my 
mother  took  much  pleasure  in  the  fact,  it  has  been  deemed 
fit  to  leave  the  manuscript  in  its  present  form. 

J.  M. 

iii 


2137267 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

Lusina  Strong  was  born  in  Portage,  Livingston 
County,  New  York,  January  29,  1823.  Her  parents 
were  pioneers  in  that  portion  of  the  Empire  State.  Her 
father,  through  accidental  treatment  when  suffering  from 
the  malaria  of  a  new  country,  was  constitutionally  weak- 
ened. Her  mother,  who  gave  birth  to  twelve  children, 
was  both  physically  and  intellectually  remarkable.  She 
had  the  resources  of  a  giantess. 

At  two  and  one  half  years  Lusina  commenced  her 
school  life,  and  thereafter  had  as  good  privileges  of  this 
sort  as  a  raw  country  could  furnish.  Pains  were  taken 
to  secure  for  her  the  best.  Her  first  joys  of  authorship 
were  through  the  school  paper.  Her  student  life  was 
one  glow. 

In  childhood  she  acquired  skill  with  the  needle  which 
later  became  a  very  special  skill.  Astonishing  was  the 
ease  with  which  she  threw  off  beautiful  work,  contrived 
and  fitted  by  her  own  skill,  during  that  portion  of  life 
making  greatest  demand  for  it.  But  it  was  her  delight 
to  produce  evidence  of  a  perfection  in  her  mother's  like 
art  which,  she  insisted,  put  the  daughter's  skill  within  the 
shadow.  To  whatever  she  gave  her  hand,  in  it  Lusina 
was  likely  to  appear  as  an  expert  through  the  elasticity 
of  her  power. 

Love  of  beauty  was  a  controlling  force  of  her  nature. 
And  this  love  had  nurture  from  her  early  days.  Within 
the  farm  which  was  her  home  she  could  scarcely  open 
her  eyes  without  taking  in  a  scene  of  elevated  lands  and 
of  dales,  skirted  with  deep  woods.  Some  three  miles 
away  the  waters  of  the  upper  Genesee  River,  through 
a  series  of  falls,  leaped  to  a  cavernous  depth.  For  a  long 


vi  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

distance  they  find  their  way  between  lofty,  precipitous 
banks.  The  depth  of  portions  of  this  defile  were  not 
wholly  strange  to  her  elastic  tread.  The  rank  wildness 
of  the  scene  spoke  to  her  inner  self. 

Her  love  for  flowers  approached  a  passion,  largely 
silent,  thus  escaping  evaporation  through  words.  Where- 
soever she  lived,  with  her  own  hand  she  cultivated  them, 
and  when  possible  she  had  them  near  her.  Receiving 
from  a  friend,  with  whom  she  was  in  special  rapport,  a 

gift  of  flowers,  she  answered  in  the  following  hasty  lines : — 
I 

-r«j 

"God  could  not  make  the  earth  bring  forth 

Enough  for  great  and  small, 
Enough  for  every  want  of  ours 

And  not  a  flower  at  all; 
Except  He  first  should  countermake 

This  beauty-loving  race, 
And  take  away  the  want  for  flowers  — 

Oh,  what  could  fill  the  place!" 

Her  striking  flexibility  and  variousness  of  powers 
had  answer  in  her  countenance.  A  talented  French 
portrait  painter,  in  her  youthful  period,  undertook  her 
portrait.  Day  after  day  he  called  for  sittings  with  fresh 
canvases.  At  last,  passing  his  charged  brush  athwart 
his  work,  he  gave  up  incontinently  —  she  had  no  two 
faces  alike!  Equally  she  was  the  despair  of  the  photog- 
rapher, so  far  as  obtaining  a  representative  result  was 
concerned. 

As  she  was  ripening  she  instinctively  turned  to  teaching. 
Teaching  with  her  was  equally  gift  and  an  enthusiasm. 
She  was  luminous  and  inspiriting.  It  was  in  her  and  of 
her  to  pass  over  to  others  her  acquirements  of  mind  and 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  vii 

wealth  of  spirit.  She  molded;  and  the  mold  was  of  the 
best.  Very  many  are  those  who  in  this  relation  have 
called  and  do  call  her  blessed. 

Pursuing  a  high  ideal  she  went  to  Oberlin,  Ohio,  to 
continue  her  studies.  There  she  developed  her  qualities 
and  exercised  her  gifts.  She  took  first  rank  and  became 
one  of  the  more  influential  personalities  of  the  school. 
She  studied  and  she  taught.  Lusina  Strong  was  a  name 
to  conjure  with  in  those  days. 

January  1,  1850,  at  her  home  in  Portage,  she  became 
the  wife  of  Henry  Mills.  The  following  year  they  went 
to  Andover,  Massachusetts,  where  he  pursued  his  theo- 
logical studies.  Late  in  1854  she  became  a  pastor's  wife 
in  Granby,  Massachusetts,  then  an  alert,  energetic, 
characteristically  independent  and  thriving  country 
people.  There  for  nine  years  her  gifts  and  attractions 
had  a  fit  field  for  development  and  manifestation.  There 
she  held  a  sway  as  complete  devoid  of  self-assertion 
and  the  suggestion  of  self-love  and  self-will.  The  quiet 
glow  of  her  spirit  set  others  in  glow.  She  lived  them  into 
larger  life. 

If  there  is  such  a  thing  as  falling  into  one's  place  in  life 
Lusina  Strong  reached  her  destiny  when  she  became  a 
pastor's  wife.  She  commanded  the  confidence,  the 
affection,  the  support  of  the  people  wherever  she  held 
this  relation,  in  states  as  diverse  as  Massachusetts, 
Michigan,  Iowa,  Illinois.*  She  believed  in  God  and 
loved  those  who  bore  the  image  of  God,  and  especially 
kindled  toward  those  in  whom  she  saw  promise  of  ac- 

*Besides  places  mentioned  in  this  sketch  she  was  pastor's  wife 
in  Kalamazoo,  Mich.,  Independence,  and  Buckingham  (now 
Traer),  Iowa. 


viii  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

quiring  the  image  of  God  in  the  highest  sense  which  those 
words  can  bear. 

She  gave  herself  for  others,  whether  in  the  family,  the 
community,  or  the  wide  world.  She  had  a  choice  intel- 
lect, but  the  very  texture  and  substance  of  her  being  was 
a  deep  religiousness,  acting  itself  out  in  the  quietest, 
freshest,  and  most  natural  way. 

She  left  language  for  this  life  of  hers  in  poems  which 
throbbed  with  the  secrets  of  her  breast.  Thus  at  a  time 
of  supreme  and  bewildering  distress  the  poem, 

"  I  trust  thee,  O  Father;  thy  v.  ord  cannot  fail," 

got  itself  written,  of  which  she  scarcely  felt  herself  the 
author.  "It  wrote  itself,"  are  her  words.  The  aban- 
don of  her  soul  Godward  expressed  itself  within  a 
different  atmosphere  in  the  poem, 

"We're  in  thy  world,  O  God." 

Many  of  her  poems  are  self-revealing.  Nearly  all  were 
written  after  a  paralytic  stroke  which  shattered  her 
health  and  put  her  into  closest  relations  with  her  God. 

Lusina  Stong  Mills  became  the  mother  of  six  children. 
Here  she  found  her  sphere  of  spheres.  She  met  every 
demand.  Her  children,  of  whom  three  are  living,  have 
known  and  know  her  worth  beyond  power  to  tell  it. 

From  Canton,  Illinois,  where  she  had  loved  and  was 
loved  for  a  time  about  equal  to  the  entire  earthly  stay  of 
her  Lord,  she  took  swift  departure  July  20,  1905.  Her 
stroke  was  received  in  April  of  1895.  After  it  she  lived 
in  active  expectation  of  death.  But  there  was  no  new 
coloring,  no  new  emphasis  to  her  life  through  the  expec- 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  ix 

tation.  No  word  of  dread  nor  of  unwillingness  passed  her 
lips.  There  were  none  wraiting  to  pass.  For  nearly  her 
whole  life  she  had  lived  in  a  world  she  recognized  as  God's 
and  was  ever  reaching  for  and  taking  in  His  sympathy 
and  love.  She  loved  life  —  this  life  —  and  yet  for  her 
God's  time  was  her  time. 

She  left  a  home  surcharged  with  her  essential  self. 

Canton,  III,   April  22,  1907.  H.  M. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Gifts  and  Graces 13 

Forgiveness            IS 

He  shall  Bring  it  to  Pass 16 

Pansy 18 

ToE.A.I 19 

The  Power  of  Truth 19 

The  Tempest 21 

The  Burning  Bush 22 

The  Kingdom  of  God 23 

The  Beauty  of  Duty             23 

d  Mother's  Prayer 24 

Frozen  Together          .   ' 25 

Knit  Together 25 

To  as  Many  as  Received  Him  Gave  He  Power         .  26 

No  Deeper  Depth  Than  Love 26 

Deliverance 27 

lAmSoGlad 27 

Let  No  One  Take  My  Crown     .....  28 

The  Minister .  28 

Strive  On 29 

The  Furnace 29 

They  also  Serve  Who  Stand  and  Wait        ...  30 

I  Thought 30 

Earth  Receding             31 

Death            32 

A  Prayer 32 

Insignia 32 

Obedience 33 

A  Reproach 33 

Love 33 

He  Hath  Respect  unto  the  Lowly       ....  34 


Veiled 34 

TwoPaths 35 

Recompense 36 

Thy  God  Hath  Commandcth  Thy  Strength       .        .  36 

Jesus  and  Confucius            37 

The  Spirit            37 

The  Piston 38 

Petition 38 

God  Resisteth  the  Proud 39 

Our  Soul  Waiteth  for  the  Lord            ....  39 

Seek  the  Lord  and  His  Strength          ....  40 

I  Am  the  Lord,  I  Change  Not 40 

Triumph 41 

TheBlessed 41 

M y  Father  Worketh  and  I  Work        ....  42 

He  that  Sent  Me  is  with  Me 43 

Peace,  be  Stitt 43 

7  Will  Guide  Thee  with  Mine  Eyes             ...  44 

Cast  Anchor  and  Wait  for  the  Day     ....  45 

In  God's  World            46 

God  Our  Strength 46 

Isaiah  LVlll      . 47 

Psalm  XVI          . 48 

Psalm  XLII 48 

Psalm  CXVl 49 

Psalm  CXXI 50 

Psalm  CXXI  —  R.  V 51 

Psalm  CXLIII 52 

Psalm  XXXIV 53 

VERSES  FOR  THE  CHILDREN 

Heralds 57 

Christmas  Eve  58 


Night  and  Morning   . 

A  Warning 61 

Lucia  

Two  Pictures       ....-..-  62 

Thieves 63 

Who  Knows? 

Mission  Rally 

MISCELLANEOUS  VERSES 

Man  and  Nature 69 

The  One  I  Found 70 

Self  Defeat   ....  74 

An  Armenian 

Who  Are  Most  Blest     .        .  76 

Forever  with  the  Lord         .        .        .        •        • 
The  Change 

To  C.A.I 

Sing  On       ....  79 

Wrongs  that  Right,  and  Hurts  that  Heal  79 

My  Birthday 

A  Dream -          80 

Our  Boys 

A  True  Incident 

Sleep     ...  ...  84 

In   the    Woman's   Edition    of  the   Canton   Daily 

Register 

/  Do  Not  Know 

Different  Standpoints 

Comfort 

In  the  Name  of  the  Lord 

Sowing  and  Reaping 

Overcome  Evil  with  Good 

Behold  We  Count  Them  Happy  which  Endure 


My  Neighbor 

Deprivation 90 

The  Surface 90 

Without  a  Degree 91 

A  Diamond 91 

Limitation  

A  Distinction 92 

The  Old  and  the  New 

Freedom       . 

Influence 

Riches 94 

A  Characterization 

Have  Dominion  over  all  the  Earth 

The  Ideal 

Unknown 96 

Caged 96 

My  Message 96 

Thanksgiving 97 

Remembrances 

To  Daisy 98 

To  Laura] 99 

To  Laura  J 99 

Margaret 100 

My  Valentine 100 

My  Lady 101 

February  3,  1896 101 

The  Sun 102 

Inheritance 103 

Songs            . 104 

If  I  Could 105 

Queen  Reason 106 

Bound  108 


GIFTS  AND  GRACES 

Suggested  by  the  Chicago  World's  Fair. 

Fair  of  the  world!  Thy  glory  lost  ? 
The  monument  was  reared  at  cost; 
Memory,  faithful  to  her  trust, 
Will  bid  thee  live,  though  laid  in  dust. 

I  stood  on  that  enchanting  ground, 
With  grace  and  beauty  richly  crowned, — 
Gazed  till  both  thought  and  being  whirled, 
Amidst  the  wonders  of  the  world. 

But  all  the  grace  that  figured  there 
Had  never  been  at  that  World's  Fair, 
Had  not  the  gifts  —  a  lavish  store, 
In  rich  abundance  gone  before. 

Nature  provides  each  rarest  gem 
And  wealth  of  gold ;  the  skill  of  men 
Builds,  carves,  to  nature  adds  a  grace  — 
A  Taj  uprears  its  beauteous  face! 

Go  through  the  realm  of  nature  wide, 
The  law  is  writ  on  ev'ry  side, 
Where  nature's  gifts  are  lavished  free, 
Luxuriant  graces  there  we  see. 

This  law  which  doth  imperial  reign 
Throughout  all  nature's  broad  domain, 
Within  the  spirit's  realm  we  find 
Writ  large  and  ever  well  defined. 

As  nature's  children  what  are  we  ? 
Graceless  in  life  and  destiny; 
Striving  in  vain  for  something  higher, 
To  steal  from  heaven  Promethean  fire. 


The  spirit  comes  with  molding  power! 
What  changes  work  from  this  glad  hour 
Love,  joy,  and  peace  begin  to  grow, 
And  all  the  lovely  Nine  forth-show. 

Free  gifts  on  ev'ry  side  abound; 
The  work  of  building  slow  is  found; 
Plan,  the  great  Architect  hath  given 
After  similitude  of  heaven. 

Love,  the  divinest  grace  we  know, 
From  which  all  other  graces  flow, 
Without  which  myriad  graces  sought, 
However  costly,  would  be  naught, 

Shines  soft  and  beautiful  and  bright, 
The  chambers  of  the  soul  makes  light; 
The  lovely  light,  without  a  glare, 
Reveals  the  characters  we  bear. 

The  spirit  whispers, —  "Rise  and  build 
The  character  that  God  hath  willed; 
Completeness  is  the  end  in  view, 
The  will  of  God  concerning  you." 

In  all  your  intercourse  with  men 
Each  act  of  love  will  add  a  gem ; 
The  spirit's  graces  are  decreed 
When  we  the  spirit  have  received. 

The  hardy  virtues  do  not  fly, 
Strong  character  they  underlie; 
Nor  quiet  graces  underrate  — 
"Thy  gentleness  hath  made  me  great!" 


In  building  high,  we  find  at  length, 
For  ballast,  equipoise,  and  strength, 
The  grace  of  temperance  has  its  place  — 
A  granite  rock  with  polished  face. 

"Have  faith  in  God,"  He  ever  lives, 
Faith  is  the  grace  that  substance  gives 
To  all  our  hopes  now  unfulfilled, — 
Faith  gives  us  courage  as  we  build. 

Then  build  with  patience  —  valiantly, 
You're  building  for  eternity; 
If  you  would  build  so  naught  can  rupture 
Eternal  truth  must  rib  the  structure. 

L.  S.  M. 

FORGIVENESS 

"Tell  me,"  she  said,  "  can  a  spirit  receive 
A  wounding  so  deep  that  time  can't  relieve  ? 
Years  have  gene  by,  the  sting  rankles  within 
As  though  I  myself  had  committed  a  sin!" 

"I  fear,  my  dear  girl,  you  think  to  outlive 
A  sting  that  will  rankle  until  you  forgive." 
"  Forgive  ?     What  sense  in  that  mystical  word  ? 
Feel  wrong  to  be  right  ?     The  thing  is  absurd!" 

"  Because  wrong  is  wrong  and  feel  it  you  must, 
Because  the  wrongdoer  has  forfeited  trust, 
Because  of  your  sin  and  your  hope  of  heaven. 
Because  God  is  love  and  you  hath  forgiven,— 

"  God  never  forgave  an  impenitent  soul ! " 
'Forever  the  same  there  is  pardon  for  all, 

15 


All  who  accept  and  receiving  it  prove 
They  are  conductors  of  infinite  love, 

"A  love  all  divine,  transmitted  afar, 

Like  currents  conveyed  from  charged  Leyden  jar; 

But  insulate  souls  can  ne'er  feel  forgiven 

Until  their  free  hands  make  circuit  with  heaven. 

"When  charged  thus  with  love  the  wounds  will  all 

heal; 

And  into  your  heart  a  sweet  peace  will  steal; 
Perhaps  by  induction  may  e'en  gain  a  friend 
And  rankling  within  have  come  to  an  end." 

L.  S.  M. 

HE  SHALL  BRING  IT  TO  PASS 

I  knelt  in  my  closet  at  midnight, — 
Ofttimes  I  had  knelt  there  before, 

To  ask  of  my  Father  forgiveness 
His  mercy  and  favor  implore. 

I  pled  for  the  faith  of  assurance, 
For  a  hope  that  anchors  the  soul  — 

A  trust  free  from  doubt  of  acceptance, 
A  sense  of  God's  loving  control. 

I  knelt  in  my  closet  at  noonday, 
In  anguish  from  conflicts  within; 

I  wrestled  in  prayer  for  the  power 
To  reckon  self  dead  unto  sin. 

And  I  did  reckon  thus  from  that  hour  — 
Alive  unto  God  made  this  plea  — 

"Make  me  holy,  as  thou,  Lord,  art  holy, 
For  only  the  holy  see  thee." 

16 


A  sense  of  heirship  possessed  me, 

I  felt  my  life  held  in  God's  care; 
A  child,  I  believed  that  the  Father 

In  training  no  best  thing  would  spare 

The  beauty  of  holiness  charmed  me, 
A  likeness  to  Christ  seemed  secure; 

I  believed  that  having  begun  it, 

God's  work  of  completion  was  sure. 

How  little  environment  touched  me 

When  held  in  duress  so  divine; 
When  above  me  His  banner  was  love, 

And  love,  a  rich  banquet,  was  mine. 

When  wrongs  made  deep  wounds  in  my  spirit, 
(Resentment's  complete  overthrow!) 

He  turned  those  deep  wounds  into  channels 
For  love's  healing  currents  to  flow. 

And  what  use  He  made  of  my  blunders, 

My  manifold  errors  and  sin, 
In  training  and  great'ning  my  being, 

Is,  assuredly,  best  known  to  Him. 

I  have  sailed  life's  tumultuous  sea, 

Have  been  held  in  the  tempest's  wild  grip  — 
He  hath  kept  me  in  safety  and  peace 

With  only  a  loss  of  the  ship. 

L.  S.  M. 


*  -.-: 


PANSY  (A  THOUGHT) 

I  planted  it  in  early  spring 

With  all  the  rest,  a  cherished  thing, 

But  scratching  chickens,  bruising  them, 

From  this  one  broke  its  central  stem, 

Leaving  one  tiny  shoot  alone, 

You'd  scarce  believe  it  could  have  grown; 

To  dissipate  my  anxious  fears 

Straightway  its  rootedness  appears, 

The  source  of  nourishment  and  life, 

And  ev'ry  rootlet  was  in  strife 

To  make  amends  for  ruthless  wrong; 

And  so  the  little  sprout  grew  strong, 

And  day  by  day  the  leaves  unfold 

Of  richer  green  and  larger  mold. 

Months  passed,  profusely  bloomed  the  rest, 

But  with  no  bloom  this  plant  was  blessed. 

And  will  it  then  resent  its  loss 

Making  its  bloomless  branch  a  cross  ? 

Ah,  no,  for  silently  Dame  Nature  wrought 

And  to  the  pansy  succor  brought. 

At  last  one  bud  alone  appeared 

With  which  no  ruin  interfered. 

It  bloomed  and  I  in  joy  exclaimed, 

'This  pansy  hath  itself  reclaimed!' 

'Twas  twice  as  large  as  all  the  rest, 

Excelled  in  beauty  e'en  the  best, 

And  though  in  pain  it  had  been  wrought, 

I  prized  it  most,  this  one  great  thought. 

A  human  life  with  health  and  cheer 

Sometimes  begins  a  bright  career 

When  some  stray  chick  with  ruthless  power 

18 


Blights  ev'ry  hope  in  one  short  hour, 

The  mangled  form,  the  ebbing  life! 

Friends  pray  that  death  may  end  the  strife. 

There's  nothing  left,  the  friends  make  guess, 

Nothing  but  lifelong  helplessness. 

But  nature  has  a  latent  skill 

To  rectify  destructive  ill  — 

Though  hands  are  gone,  yet  soon  is  seen 

A  pencil  held  the  toes  between; 

And  when  of  hands  and  toes  bereft 

The  sufferer  feels  there's  nothing  left, 

Nature  suggests  the  kind  relief, 

"Just  hold  the  pen  between  the  teeth." 

To  such  may  one  great  thought  be  given 

To  bless  the  world  and  blend  with  heaven. 

L.  S.  M. 

TO  E.  A.  I. 

With  silent,  unassuming  grace 
The  pansies  laugh  me  in  the  face. 
What  latent  powers  in  them  appear 
To  fill  the  saddest  heart  with  cheer. 
Disturbing  fear  can  have  no  place 
While  looking  in  a  pansy's  face; 
And  so  I  gaze  till  I  laugh  too, 
I  send  them  out  to  laugh  with  you. 

L.  S.  M. 

THE  POWER  OF  TRUTH 

What  is  truth  ?     a  Pilate  asked 
While  quaking  in  its  power  — 

Truth  to  Judas  made  things  plain  — 
He  hanged  himself  that  hour. 


The  conflict  most  unequal  seems 
Betwixt  the  false  and  true, 

Complications  of  all  sorts 
The  innocent  pursue. 

Many  men,  like  Jesus  Christ, 
Send  forth  the  piercing  cry, 

"Why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?" 
Then  bow  the  head  and  die. 

Public  sentiment  lives  on, 

And  if  the  true  create, 
Its  verdict  can't  be  set  aside 

But  stands  as  if  by  fate. 

Very  well  this  people's  court 
Perceive  that  truth  is  strong; 

Complications  shall  in  vain 
Entangle  it  with  wrong. 

The  thread  of  truth  will  never  break, 
Though  tangled  be  the  skein, 

Only  find  the  end  that's  right, 
The  whole  of  truth  they'll  gain. 

God's  white  light  reveals  to  all 

The  helpless  justified; 
Darkest  plottings  all  laid  bare 

And  truth  stands  glorified. 

How  we  wish  those  men  had  lived  — 
But  they  are  glad  they  died  — 

Those  alas,  exposed  to  shame 
The  mountains  cannot  hide! 


20 


They  stand  aghast  before  their  past 

And  while  alive,  forsooth, 
Find  too  late  there's  nothing  damns 

Like  violated  truth. 

L.  S.  M. 


THE  TEMPEST 

Jesus  stood  alone  on  the  land, 

The  boat  in  the  midst  of  the  sea 
Tossed  by  the  tempest  so  wildly, 

He  hastened  their  pilot  to  be. 

They  see  His  form  in  the  distance, 
And  wondering  what  it  can  be  — 

Affrighted,  they  cry  in  alarm  — 
"A  Spirit  is  walking  the  sea!" 

Jesus  was  coming  straight  toward  them 
And  thought  to  have  passed  them  right  by, 

But  heard,  and  straightway  He  told  them  — 
"Oh,  be  not  afraid,  it  is  I!" 

Then  Jesus  went  into  the  boat, 

He  held  the  winds  still  in  His  hand  — 

Said,  "  Be  of  good  cheer,  it  is  I, 

The  winds  and  the  sea  I  command  1" 

He  now  stands  alone  on  the  shore 
And  watches  life's  billows  that  roll; 

Let  Him  in  and  quickly  He'll  still 
The  tempests  that  surge  through  thy  soul. 

L.  S.  M. 


21 


THE  BURNING  BUSH 

The  burning  bush  was  all  ablaze 
With  light  ineffable.     No  haze 
Of  darkness  lurked  around, 
Holy  became  the  very  ground; 
An  angel  of  the  Lord  forth  came 
From  out  that  unconsuming  flame, 
And  Moses  turned  aside  amazed, 
And  on  the  scene  of  splendor  gazed. 
Now  God  beheld  what  Moses  did, 
And  talked,  while  Moses'  face  was  hid; 
Forth  from  the  burning  bush,  He  spake, 
"I  raised  thee  up  for  Israel's  sake — 
Announced  His  mission  then  and  there; — 
"My  people  cry,  I've  heard  their  prayer; 
This  say  to  Pharaoh,  Egypt's  king; 
'From  bondage  forth  my  people  bring.'" 
Then  Moses  said,  "  Lord,  who  am  I 
.That  thou  dost  send  thy  message  by  ?" 
"  Fear  not,"  God  said,  "  go  forth  and  know 
That  with  thee  I  will  surely  go." 
"  What  is  thy  name  ?  for  when  I  say 
That  Israel's  God  this  very  day 
To  you  this  message  sends  by  me  — 
1  Go,  set  my  chosen  people  free  — 
I'll  lead  them  out  by  my  own  hand — ' 
'What  is  His  name  ?'  they  will  demand." 
What  glory  from  that  bush  of  flame 
Illumined  God's  unwritten  name  — 
Name  that  He  spoke  and  sent  abroad, 
"  I  AM  "—  The  great  "  I  AM,"  saith  God. 

L.  S.  M. 


22 


THE  KINGDOM  OF  GOD 

The  Pharisees,  curious,  asked  in  defence; 

"  When  cometh  God's   kingdom  on   earth   and  from 

whence  ? " 

Christ,  knowing  their  hearts  thus  gave  answer  to  them, 
"It  cometh  without  observation  of  men." 
Let  "thy  kingdom  come"  is  both  promise  and  prayer, 
Yet  none  shall  say,  Here,  and  none  say,  Lo,  there! 
The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you;  and  see 
How  silent  yet  grand  its  on-coming  shall  be. 
From  conquering  to  conquer,  all  wrong  it  assails, 
How  stately  its  triumphs!  o'er  sin  it  prevails; 
Mysterious  kingdom!  though  not  of  this  world, 
Alone  from  the  cross  are  its  banners  unfurled. 

L.  S.  M. 

THE  BEAUTY  OF  DUTY 
R.  S.  S. 

Seizing  the  duties  nearest  me, 
Repellent  though  they  seemed  to  be, 
I  wrought  all  day;  at  evening  found 
My  hateful  work  was  duty's  round. 
Weary  and  sad  I  lay  me  down, 
When,  lo,  an  angel,  with  a  crown 
In  hand,  and  crown  upon  His  head, 
Approached  and  stood  beside  my  bed. 
Transfixed  I  gazed,  to  me  was  shown 
A  beauty  I  had  never  known  — 
Beauty  whose  luster  shone  so  bright 
Each  gem  seemed  carved  from  rays  of  light. 
The  angel  spoke:  I  knew  His  word  — 
The  angel-presence  was  my  Lord. 
The  crown  He  wore  of  purest  gem 
Was  the  dear  Saviour's  diadem; 
23 


Reaching  the  other  forth  to  me, — 
"This  one,"  He  said,  "  I  give  to  thee." 
"  What  is  it,  Lord  ?"  And  He  replied, 
"These  are  the  duties  you  despised. 
Their  luster  and  their  beauty  tell 
How  faithfully  you  wrought  and  well, 
And  grouping  them  as  here  you  see 
There  was  a  crown  for  me  and  thee." 
Each  duty  is  a  diamond  rare, 
When  polished  is  beyond  compare, 
But  most  abhorent  under  sun, 
Is  a  plain  duty  left  undone. 

L.  S.  M. 

A  MOTHER'S  PRAYER 

Oh,  who  can  bear  a  mother's  prayer 

And  yet  consent  to  sin  ? 
Oh,  who  can  dare  to  risk  that  prayer 

And  not  be  pure  within  ? 

To  be  the  great  in  Church  or  State, 

Might  be  the  best  for  me; 
My  mother's  prayer  would  place  me  there, 

For  my  best  destiny. 

Failure  might  be  the  best  for  me, 

Perhaps  the  lowest  seat; 
My  mother's  prayer  would  place  me  there, 

Whatever  my  defeat. 

Oh,  who  can  bear  a  mother's  prayer 

And  not  refuse  to  sin  ? 
Oh,  who  would  dare  to  risk  that  prayer 
And  not  be  pure  within  ? 

L.  S.  M. 
24 


FROZEN  TOGETHER 

It  was  not  all  a  dream,  a  phantom  show, 

An  alchemy  divine  had  filled  the  place. 

Oh,  magic  power!  It  wrought  but  none  might  trace: 

" His  cold"  transmuting  earth  to  heavenly  glow 

Made  all,  both  good  and  bad,  one  scenic  show. 

Oh,  matchless  beauty!  meanest  things  become 

Solidified  in  a  most  glorious  one; 

As  child  I  carved,  with  knife,  the  precious  stone; 

A  queen  was  I;  in  fancy  I  was  more! 

In  rich  mosaics  laid  my  palace  floor. 

A  thaw!  An  alchemy  no  less  divine, 

That  needs  nor  sun,  nor  moon,  nor  thought  of  mine, 

Accomplishes  its  work  at  dead  of  night  — 

All  oneness  gone!  Rubbish,  a  ghastly  sight! 

L.  S.  M. 

KNIT  TOGETHER 

"  I  pray  that  these  all,  in  us,  may  be  one, 

As  thou  art  in  me  and  I  also  in  thee. 

O  Father,  I  know  that  thou  hearest  me." 

O  Christ,  thy  prayer  is  a  searcher  of  heart, 

Supposes  a  cleansing  of  every  part. 

A  bone  that  is  broken  can  knit  into  one 

When,  and  when  only,  this  cleansing  has  come. 

How  then  can  the  vile  and  the  pure  be  one  ? 

Oh,  grace  of  all  life  made  known  from  this  hour, 

The  climax  of  love,  the  climax  of  power! 

When  Christ  said  to  man,  "  I  will,  be  thou  clean:" 

Assured  is  the  oneness,  His  word  doth  redeem. 

Not  frozen  —  but  knit  together  in  one  — 

Together  in  love,  with  Father  and  Son! 

L.  S.  M. 

25 


TO  AS  MANY  AS  RECEIVED   HIM  GAVE  HE 
POWER 

'Tis  not  enough  that  Jesus  died 

Upon  the  shameful  tree, 
'Tis  not  enough  that  Jesus  lives 

To  intercede  for  me. 

If  I  refuse  His  gracious  love, 

Despise  His  death  of  pain, 
No  prayer  of  His  avails  for  me, 

Christ  died  for  me  in  vain. 

L.  S.  M. 

NO  DEEPER  DEPTH  THAN  LOVE 


A  figure  of  the  bottomless: 

But  very  shallow  is  the  deep, 

Though  lead  and  line  can  find  no  measure, 

To  which,  transcending  speed  of  light, 

Our  human  thought  its  fathom  finds. 

Go  north  and  south,  their  bounds  explore, 

Beyond  the  ice  fields  find  the  poles, 

Make  then  the  circuit  east  and  west, 

Find  there  the  depth  where  sun  and  moon 

Make  plunge  and  leave  the  world^in  night, 

A  planet  whirling  round  in  space; 

Lift  now  your  eyes  to  heaven's  blue 

And  penetrate  its  vasty  depth  — 

When  you  have  passed  by  worlds  on  worlds, 

Still  worlds  on  worlds,  immensity! 

Eternity-bounded  deep! 

A  depth  that  we  in  awe  call  God  — 

And  God,  our  God,  we  know  is  love. 

L.  S.  M. 
26 


DELIVERANCE 

"Oh,  wretched  man  that  I  am!" 
What  power  can  save  me  from  sin  ? 

What  force  from  without  can  control 
The  forces  that  rule  me  within  ? 

God's  truth  is  a  force  that  makes  free, 
But  force  that  the  heart  must  receive. 

Oh,  how  can  a  heart  full  of  sin 
E'er  utter  the  words  "  I  believe  "  ? 

Thou  wiliest  to  do  His  whole  will  — 
The  pleasures  of  sin  dost  resign  — 

Then,  having  done  all,  thou  shalt  stand  — 
God's  conquering  energy  thine. 

L.  S.  M. 

I  AM  SO  GLAD* 

My  soul  is  stirred  to  unknown  depth 

When  I  remember  thee; 

I  am  so  glad  I  can't  forget 

My  follies  and  my  sins  alike 

As  scarlet  changed  to  spotless  white 

By  thee,  O  Christ,  by  thee. 

My  shield  and  buckler  when  beset; 
When  I  remember  thee, 
I  am  so  glad  I  can't  forget 
When  stormy  missiles  filled  the  air 
No  arrow  ever  reached  me  there 
So  panoplied  by  thee. 

L.  S.  M. 

*Suggested  by  a  poem  in  The  Advance,  April  15, 1897,  express- 
ing the  wish  of  one  that  she  might  have  that  "sweet  faith  of 
restful  forgetfulness." 

27 


LET  NO  ONE  TAKE  THY  CROWN 

The  crown  of  love  that's  so  divine 

Sharp  thorns  with  roses  intertwine, 

Some  thorns,  perchance,  their  growth  may  find 

Within  the  precincts  of  thy  mind  — 

Walk  humbly,  then,  thou  canst  not  love 

Except  'twere  given  thee  from  above. 

Walk  softly,  earthly  powers  may  wait 

To  rob  thee  of  love's  high  estate, 

While  strange  devices  cast  thee  down 

And  hurl  in  dust  love's  beauteous  crown. 

What  then  ?     Just  wait.     It  can  be  shown 

No  hand  can  rob  thee  but  thine  own; 

Love  on,  true  heart,  love  on! 

L.  S.  M. 

THE  MINISTER 

Jehovah  calls,  he  must  attend, 
Jehovah's  mountain  must  ascend, 
Like  Moses  climb  its  heights  alone. 
Hands  clean,  and  heart  transfigured  there, 
Behold  him  as  he  stands  in  prayer 
With  shining  face,  as  Moses'  shone. 

His  sermon  from  the  Mount  of  God 
With  still,  small  voice  more  felt  than  heard, 
From  lips  just  touched  with  living  fire, 
Are  words  baptismal  as  they  fall; 
And  tongues  of  flame  descend  on  all, 
And  death-struck  souls  with  life  inspire. 

L.  S.  M. 


28 


STRIVE  ON 

Strive  on,  strive  on,  brave  heart, 

Striving  was  never  vain, 
Strive  lawfully;  as  God  is  true, 

A  crown  thou  shalt  obtain. 

Strive  on,  strive  on,  brave  heart, 

The  warfare  is  with  sin; 
In  ambush  lie  thy  secret  foes  — 

Well  hid  they  lurk  within. 

Strive  on,  strive  on,  brave  heart  — 

No  artifice,  no  guile 
Can  smite  thee  through  thy  shield, 

If  thou  keep  clear  the  while. 

Strive  on,  strive  on,  brave  heart, 

Nor  let  thy  spirit  quail; 
Men  ought  to  pray  and  not  to  faint  — 

Thy  prayer  shall  yet  prevail. 

L.  S.  M. 


THE  FURNACE 

Seven  times  tried!    What  means  the  unwonted  heat  ? 

It  means  a  cleansing,  pure  —  complete. 

Dross  all  consumed  yet  furnace  heat  still  there  ? 

Can  earth  abide  celestial  air  ? 

Behold  the  Son  of  God  walks  in  the  same, 

There's  nothing  there  supports  a  flame. 

So  when  the  cruel  flames  blaze  high  and  fierce, 

Their  burning  shafts  my  being  pierce, 

I  see  how  much  I  need  the  unwonted  heat 


Before  the  cleansing  is  complete. 

Father,  I  see  the  rubbish  being  burned, 

And  bless  the  fires  that  I  have  spurned, 

Dross  all  consumed  though  furnace  heat  still  there, 

I'll  bide,  with  Christ,  celestial  air. 

L.  S.  M. 

"THEY  ALSO  SERVE  WHO  ONLY  STAND  AND 
WAIT  " 

Oh,  it  is  good  to  work  for  God, 

'Tis  good  to  do  His  will, 
'Tis  good  to  do  love's  hardest  work  — 

The  work  of  standing  still. 


L.  S.  M. 


I  THOUGHT 

Perhaps  he  will  come 
When  a  glorious  sun 

Will  make  the  day  lovely  and  bright, 
And  bear  me  away, 
On  a  soft  summer  day, 

To  the  city  where  He  is  the  light. 

Of  dread  I  have  none 

For  the  change  that  must  come, 
But  death  in  itself  seems  so  cold, 

That  when  snow  falls 
And  the  wind  shrieks  and  howls, 
I  instinctively  cling  to  the  fold. 


3° 


You  all  are  so  dear 
I  would  stay  with  you  here, 
With  you  watch  the  shadows  that  fall, 
With  sympathy  cheer 
When  fresh  sorrows  appear, 
And  courageously  help  you  bear  all. 
But  when  I  am  gone 
You  will  not  be  alone, 
The  Saviour  will  never  forsake  you, 
The  Comforter,  come, 
Will  abide  in  the  home, 
And  many  sweet  visits  I'll  make  you. 
It  will  not  be  long 
Ere  you  join  in  song 

Where  the  Lamb  on  the  Throne  is  the  theme, 
The  joyous  refrain 
Beyond  frailties  or  pain 
Will  be  in  and  of  glory  supreme. 

L.  S.  M. 

EARTH  RECEDING 
I  find  with  the  avenues  closing 

The  outlook  becoming  more  broad, 
The  rampires  of  earth  left  behind  me, 

Thou  wilt  show  me  thy  glory,  O  God. 
"  I  beseech  thee  now  show  me  thy  glory," 
Is  the  prayer  of  my  hunger  and  thirst; 
Thou  wilt  pass  that  glory  before  me  — 

What  a  scene  on  my  vision  shall  burst! 
All  that  can  die  laid  off  at  the  portal, 

All  that  my  spirit  can  take  thou  wilt  give, 
Surrounded  with  Infinite  glory, 

Like  Christ  I  shall  see  God  and  live. 

L.  S.  M. 
31 


DEATH 

What  is  death  to  a  soul  that  is  conscious  of  life  — 
Life  breathed  in  of  God;  and  His  own  life  eternal  ? 

L.  S.  M. 

A  PRAYER 

How  can  I  sing  a  song  for  thee  ? 

How  bear  a  message  from  the  skies  ? 
A  song  that  I  would  sing  for  thee, 

In  thee,  O  Christ,  must  have  its  rise! 

O  thou,  who  art  a  finer's  fire, 

Come  thou  and  burn  away  the  dross, 

Oh,  teach  my  falt'ring  lips  to  sing, 
And  guide  the  wand'ring  to  thy  cross. 


INSIGNIA 

No  outward  sign  can  make  those  known 
Who  serve  their  Lord  and  King, 

No  stately  form  or  seal  is  theirs, 
No  regal  offering. 

The  sign  which  makes  His  children  known 

A  foreigner  can  read, 
'Tis  shown  in  each  unconscious  look, 

In  ev'ry  simple  deed. 

"  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye 
Are  mine,"  said  Jesus,  when  on  earth, 

"If  ye  have  love  to  one  another, 
'Twill  prove  your  heavenly  birth." 


3* 


And  ev'ry  time  in  word  or  act 

We  fail  this  love  to  show, 
It  makes  it  harder  for  some  heart 

The  love  of  Christ  to  know. 

J.  M. 

OBEDIENCE 

"Go,"  saith  Jesus,  "I'll  be  with  thee;"— 
"When  we  see  thee,  Lord,  we  will;" 

Still  we  wait  —  do  not  obey  Him  — 
For  His  truth  we  linger  still. 

Yet  that  truth  He  ne'er  discloses 

Till  His  word  our  hearts  fulfill, 
Nor  the  waters  of  a  Jordan 

Will  obey  a  doubting  will. 

J.  M. 

A  REPROACH 

When  I  pray  for  the  lost, 
And  the  souls  tempest  tossed, 
E'en  while  I  am  praying, 
Christ's  voice  I  hear  saying, 
"Art  thou  pleading  with  me  ? 
I  have  long  pled  with  thee!" 

J.  M. 

LOVE 

Some  think  to  make  their  love  flow  deep 

By  limiting  its  bound  — 
Oh,  may  my  love  a  boundless  deep, 

Unlimited  be  found. 


33 


O  God!  when  looks  and  acts  repel, 

Through  ignorance  and  sin, 
Still  may  thy  all  constraining  grace 

Let  thy  sweet  pity  in. 

J.  M. 

'HE  HATH  RESPECT  UNTO  THE  LOWLY" 

What  very  simple  words  and  deeds 

Love's  sweet  behests  fulfil, 
And  yet  they  win  the  praise  of  Him 

Who  rules  the  worlds  at  will. 

And  though  the  people,  as  they  pass, 

See  nothing  great  to  praise, 
The  Maker  of  the  heaven  and  earth 

Is  pleased  with  lowly  ways. 

J.  M. 


VEILED 

I  am  so  sorry  for  the  world 

If  what  I've  heard  a  truth  should  be, 
That  all  it  sees  of  Jesus  Christ 

Is  what  it  sees  of  you  and  me. 

What  wonder  that  it  blindly  gropes 
And  seeks  on  earth  its  all  to  find, 

If  all  its  vision  of  the  Christ 
Is  to  our  faulty  lives  confined. 

J.  M. 


34 


TWO  PATHS 

I  stood  where  I  could  not  abide, 
Two  pathways  I  could  plainly  see; 

One  path  which  looked  most  fresh  and  bright, 
Lay  in  the  sunshine  luring  me. 

The  other  path  forbidding  lay, 

Winding  its  way  through  shadows  deep; 
Strange  dangers  lurked  on  ev'ry  side, 

The  path  was  stony,  rough,  and  steep. 

The  pleasant  path  was  firmly  closed: 

The  other  path  I  sadly  took, 
But  thought  about  the  pleasant  path, 

And  ever  cast  a  backward  look. 

Into  my  heart  at  last  there  stole 

A  consciousness  most  strangely  sweet 

Of  Him  who  chose  this  path  for  me, 
I  knew,  and  felt,  His  love  complete. 

Then  back  I  turned  and  faced  the  dark, 
And  chose  as  mine  that  perfect  Will, 

When  lo!  for  me  the  light  burst  forth, 
And  did  my  inmost  spirit  fill. 

The  path  which  once  looked  bright  to  me, 
Now  seemed  instead  to  lie  in  shade; 

So  bright  the  light  which  round  me  shone, 
And  flooded  ev'ry  nook  and  glade. 

J.  M. 


35 


RECOMPENSE 

I've  sometimes  wished  that  I  could  do 

At  least  some  little  thing, 
Without  the  slightest  recompense, 

For  Jesus  Christ,  my  King. 

Yet  every  simple  act  oflove, 

A  recompense  will  bring  — 
Reward  is  always  sure  to  come, 

From  Jesus  Christ,  my  King. 

J.  M. 

"THY    GOD    HATH    COMMANDED    THY 
STRENGTH" 

When  labor  makes  its  stern  demands, 
And  great  thy  tasks  appear, 
Work  on  with  heartiest  good-cheer, 

Thy  God  thy  strength  commands. 

When  weakness  —  a  thrice-armed  man  — 
Robs  thee  of  all  thy  power, 
Rejoice,  nor  let  thy  spirit  cower, 

God  doth  thy  strength  command. 

When  met  by  Lilliputian  bands, 
That  vex  thee  and  annoy, 
Be  glad,  go  forth,  and  sing  for  joy, 

Thy  God  thy  strength  commands. 

When  foes  press  hard  on  ev'ry  hand, 
Temptations  fierce  assail, 
Rejoice,  nor  let  thy  spirit  quail, 

God  doth  thy  strength  command. 

36 


If  all  alone  in  grief  thou  stand, 
And  sorrows  overwhelm, 
Fear  not,  thy  Father  holds  the  helm, 

God  doth  thy  strength  command. 

J.M. 

JESUS  AND  CONFUCIUS 

Confucius  said,  Thou  shall  not  do 

Thy  neighbor  any  ill; 

But  Jesus  said,  though  men  should  hate 

That  we  should  love  them  still; 

By  deeds  express  to  all  mankind 

Our  heartiest  good-will. 

And  when  the  King  upon  the  throne 

Shall  say,  "  Depart,"  to  those  unknown, 

'Twas  not  that  cruel  deeds  they'd  wrought  — 

No  needed  succor  had  they  brought. 

J.  M. 

THE  SPIRIT 

No  living  stream,  whate'er  its  source, 
However  broad  or  deep  its  course, 
Can  reach  such  depth,  can  flow  so  free, 
As  does  the  Spirit  given  to  thee. 

One  channel  does  the  Spirit  keep, 
Nor  ever  does  its  bounds  o'erleap; 
That  channel  is  a  humble  will, 
Though  sorely  tried,  obedient  still. 

J.  M. 


37 


THE  VISION 

I  stood  upon  the  mountain  top, 

The  heavens  above  me  opened  wide, 

Transfixed,  in  awe  I  stood  and  gazed, 
God's  glory  shone  on  ev'ry  side. 

Some  problems  which  before  were  dark, 
Were  solved  in  that  transcendent  light; 

The  path  which  I  should  henceforth  tread 
Stretched  plainly  out  before  my  sight. 

Descended  from  that  mountain  top, 

Stifling,  the  dusty  road  I  found; 
Footsore  and  often  hard  bested, 

In  pain  I  trod  the  stony  ground. 

The  road  was  strange,  I  grew  perplexed, 
Which  way  to  take  I  scarcely  knew; 

That  vision  of  the  mountain  top, 
Still  mine,  compelled  me  to  be  true. 

J.  M. 


PETITION 

We  come  in  our  weakness,  temptations  annoy, 
We  come,  O  thou  Christ!  for  in  thee  is  our  joy; 
We  seek  thy  forgiveness,  henceforth  we  would  live 
In  the  hope  and  the  peace  which  thy  spirit  doth  give. 
Fill  our  hearts  with  thy  fulness,  this  petition  we  raise, 
That  our  words  and  our  acts  and  our  silence  be  praise. 

J.  M. 

38 


"GOD  RESISTETH  THE  PROUD" 

The  Lord  resists  the  proud  of  heart, 

But  freely  gives  His  grace 
To  ev'ry  humble,  childlike  soul 

Who  seeks  to  see  His  face. 

O  Christ!  that  we  through  pride  of  self 

Should  close  our  hearts  to  thee! 
Search  thou  within  and  try  our  thoughts, 

Let  us  our  weakness  see. 

Oh,  come  with  all  thy  cleansing  power, 

Refine  our  hearts  from  sin; 
We  shall  be  kept  in  perfect  peace 

When  thou  dost  dwell  within. 

J.  M. 

"OUR  SOUL  WAITETH  FOR  THE  LORD" 

Father,  all  earthly  care  and  fear 
We  leave  to  seek  thy  presence  here; 
Remove  the  veil  that  hides  thy  face, 
We  seek,  O  God!  thy  resting-place. 

Oh,  may  no  thought  of  self  intrude, 
With  life  from  thee  we'd  be  endued, 
In  thee  we  would  our  spirits  lose. 
'Tis  thee,  and  only  thee,  we  choose. 

Thy  grace  alone  hath  power  to  free 
Our  thoughts  that  cling  to  things  we  see; 
Our  feelings  lie  unmoved  and  cold 
Till  touched  by  thee  with  love  untold. 


39 


Come,  Holy  Spirit,  with  thy  pow'r 
Remove  the  clouds  which  round  us  low'r; 
Shine  forth,  in  all  thy  brightness  shine, 
Reveal  thyself  in  light  divine! 

J.  M. 

'SEEK    THE    LORD    AND    HIS    STRENGTH" 

'  'Tis  sweet,  O  Christ,  to  seek  thee, — 

More  blessed  still  to  find, 
In  freshness  of  the  morning 

And  vigor  of  the  mind. 
In  press  and  throng  of  noonday, 

And  restlessness  of  mind, 
'Tis  sweet,  O  Christ,  to  seek  thee, — 

More  blessed  still  to  find! 

'Tis  sweet,  O  Christ,  to  seek  thee, — 

More  blessed  still  to  find, 
In  stillness  of  the  evening 

And  quiet  of  the  mind. 
When  shrouded  in  the  darkness 

In  agony  of  mind, 
'Tis  sweet,  O  Christ,  to  seek  thee, — 

More  blessed  still  to  find. 

J.  M. 

"I  AM  THE  LORD,  I  CHANGE  NOT" 

Thou  who  dost  thyself  conceal 

In  the  forms  we  daily  see, 
Come  and  to  our  hearts  reveal 

Thy  great  love  and  constancy. 

40 


Children  of  thy  heavenly  grace, 

Thanks  we  give  for  outward  things; 

But  how  blessed  is  the  place, 
Whence  our  secret  comfort  springs! 

Earth  and  sky  are  things  which  pass, 

Like  a  garment  they  grow  old; 
We  are  like  the  summer  grass, 

Like  a  tale  that's  quickly  told. 

Thou  who  dost  in  glory  dwell, 

Still  thy  wonders  we  will  sing; 
Let  the  mighty  chorus  swell, 

Earth  and  sky  their  praises  bring. 

J.  M. 

TRIUMPH 

It  matters  not  how  weak  I  am, 
I  know  the  grace  wherein  I  stand; 
Eternal  love,  Almighty  power! 
I  sing  the  triumph  of  the  hour. 

It  matters  not  what  storms  arise, 
I  know  the  Pilot  of  the  skies; 
He  holds  the  raging  tempest  still, — 
I  sing  the  triumph  of  His  will ! 

L.  S.  M. 

THE  BLESSED 

I  hunger  and  I  thirst! 

These  are  thy  gifts,  O  God, 
Whereby  to  fill  with  righteousness 

And  shed  thy  love  abroad. 


I  hunger  and  I  thirst, 

Oh,  manifest  thy  face, 
I  hunger  for  thy  righteousness  — 

For  thy  transforming  grace. 

I  hunger  and  I  thirst, 

And,  while  thy  love  is  free, 
Insatiate,  O  Lord,  I  come 

To  fill  my  life  with  thee 

I  hunger  and  I  thirst, 

And  through  eternity 
Must  feel  a  hunger  to  be  filled 

From  God's  infinity. 

Oh,  hunger  all  of  God, 

Oh,  thirst  that  God  hath  willed; 
Blessed  are  they  that  hunger  so  — 

So  thirst  —  they  shall  be  filled. 

L.  S.  M. 


MY  FATHER  WORKETH  AND  I  WORK" 

We  cannot  do  thy  work,  O  God, 

Except  thou  work  withiu 
To  will  and  do  as  pleaseth  thee, 

And  renovate  from  sin. 

We  cannot  love  as  Jesus  loved, 

His  tender  mercies  know, 
The  Lord's  abounding  joy  fulfill, 

His  sweet  compassions  show. 


Oh,  dwell  with  us  and  work  within, 

Thy  love  to  us  be  shown, 
Thy  joy,  thy  peace,  thy  righteousness, 

O  God,  through  us  make  known. 

L.  S.  M. 

'HE  THAT  SENT  ME  IS  WITH  ME" 

My  Father  leaves  me  not  alone, — 

The  light  of  life  is  He! 
I  do  the  thing  that  pleases  Him, 

And  He  abides  with  me. 

Come  follow  me  and  ye  shall  know 

Our  oneness,  and  no  night; 
He  dwells  in  light  and  I  in  Him, 

Come  walk  with  us  in  light. 

If  lacking,  wisdom  shall  be  given, 

Come,  cast  on  Him  your  care, 
In  trial  find  Omnipotence 

Your  daily  cross  to  bear. 

We  hear  thy  gracious  call,  O  Christ, 

And  gladly  do  we  come, 
We  see  the  glory  of  Thy  life, — 

'Tis  grace  that  makes  us  one. 

L.  S.  M. 

"  PEACE,  BE  STILL  " 

Oh,  tranquilize  my  soul,  O  God! 

Thine  own  calm  peace  impart, — 
Peace,  passing  understanding  give, 

Quiet  this  stir  of  heart. 


43 


Oh,  tranquilize  my  soul,  O  God! 

That  hath  its  life  in  thee; 
My  spirit  in  thy  spirit  lives, 

As  lives  thine  own  in  me. 

Then  tranquilize  my  soul,  O  God! 

Whence  comes  this  restless  toss  ? 
It  hath  nor  source  nor  part  in  thee, 

Lord,  comes  it  of  my  cross  ? 

In  all  this  tumult  of  the  soul, 

What  is  the  gain  or  loss  ? 
To  know  the  weakness  of  the  flesh 

And  recognize  the  cross  ? 

Then  tranquilize  my  soul,  dear  Lord, 

Gethsemane  was  thine! 
Thine  was  the  pain  and  thine  the  cross, 

The  glory,  too,  divine! 

L.  S.  M. 


"I  WILL  GUIDE  THEE  WITH  MINE  EYE 

Shepherd  of  souls,  thou  Christ! 

Thy  listless  sheep  are  we; 
Amidst  the  din  of  voices 

Oh,  draw  us  close  to  thee. 

Command  our  best  attention, 

And  keep  us  in  thy  drill 
Till  we  distinguish  clearly 

Thy  voice,  though  small  and  still. 

44 


Oh,  whisper  to  our  spirit, 

Our  inmost  heart  explore; 
Give  to  our  souls  enlargement 

And  we  shall  love  thee  more, — 

And  loving,  we  shall  follow 

Close  by  our  Shepherd's  side, 
And  when  thy  voice  is  silent 

Thine  eye  shall  be  our  guide. 

L.  S.  M. 


CAST  ANCHOR  AND  WAIT  FOR  THE  DAY" 

I  trust  thee,  O  Father;  thy  word  cannot  fail; 
But  storms  are  about  me,  the  night-winds  prevail; 
I'm  alone  in  the  darkness;  oh,  lead  to  the  way 
Where  I  may  cast  anchor  and  wait  for  the  day. 

I  sure  must  find  harbor,  or  may  it  not  be 
The  tempest  shall  drive  to  a  safe  open  sea, 
The  winds  proving  friendly  to  pilot  the  way 
Where  I  may  cast  anchor  and  wait  for  the  day  ? 

Black  clouds  are  above  me.     O  God,  what  a  sight 
The  lightnings  reveal,  in  their  flash  of  clear  light! 
Rocks!  rocks  all  around  me,  oh,  where  is  the  way  ? 
Right  here  I'll  cast  anchor  and  wait  for  the  day. 

I  trust  in  God's  word,  in  His  love,  in  His  might; 
He  sees  in  the  darkness  as  well  as  the  light; 
Not  a  rock  in  the  sea  but  he  knows  its  lay; 
I'm  anchored  in  safety  and  wait  for  the  day. 

L.  S.  M. 
45 


IN  GOD'S  WORLD 

We're  in  thy  world,  O  God! 

Oh,  blessed  thing  to  feel, 
When  over  all  our  earthly  hopes 

Darkness  hath  set  its  seal! 

Earth  hath  no  power  to  hurt 

In  what  it  takes  or  gives, 
For  we  are  in  thy  world,  O  God ! 

Where  life  eternal  is! 

Fear  not  the  power  that  kills 

This  body  —  made  to  die  — 
Then  hath  no  more  that  it  can  do, — 

The  soul  shall  rise  on  high! 

All  things  are  yours,  saith  He, — 

How  rich  His  children's  dow'r! 
Not  only  life,  but  death  is  yours, 

With  resurrection  pow'r! 

Ascended  with  our  Lord, 

Joint  heirs  with  Him  above, 
Like  Him,  we'll  live  our  life  in  God, 

Transcendent  life  of  love! 

L.  S.  M. 


GOD  OUR  STRENGTH 

Dear  Lord,  I  lay  my  hand  in  thine, 

My  heart  at  thy  command, 

Too  weak  to  grasp  thy  hand  of  strength, 
Hold  fast,  O  Christ,  to  mine. 

46 


What  joy,  what  rest  to  feel  thy  hand, 
What  peace,  O  Christ,  to  know, 
Whatever  stress  this  earth  may  bring, 

Thy  word  of  love  shall  stand  — 

Stand,  though  the  earth  shall  pass  away; 

Stand,  though  the  heavens  shall  fall; 

Stand,  through  all  sorrow,  sickness,  death, 
Stand  in  the  perfect  day. 

Oh,  for  a  love  which  loves  like  thine 
This  world  for  whom  Christ  died  — 
My  God  with  soul,  might,  mind,  and  strength, 

My  neighbor's  good  as  mine. 

L.  S.  M. 


ISAIAH  LVIII 

If  thou  wilt  loose  the  bonds  of  sin, 

And  take  the  outcast  home, 
If  thou  wilt  heal  the  wounded  heart, 

And  bid  the  weary  come; 

Then  shall  thy  light  break  forth  afresh, 

Its  brightness  shalt  thou  see, 
Thy  righteousness  shall  go  before, 

God's  glory  follow  thee. 

The  Lord  shall  be  thy  constant  guide, 

And  satisfy  thee  still, 
And  thou  shalt  be  like  living  springs; 

His  love  thy  soul  shall  fill. 

J.  M. 

47 


PSALM  XVI 

My  portion  is  the  Lord  my  God, 
My  lot  thou  dost  maintain  secure, 

In  pleasant  places  I  abide, 
Oh,  goodly  heritage  and  sure! 

The  path  of  life  thou  showest  me, 
Before  thy  face  I'll  ever  stand, 

The  fullest  joy  and  pleasures  are 
Forever  more  at  thy  right  hand. 


PSALM  XLII 

As  pants  the  hart  for  water  brooks, 
So  pants  my  soul  for  thee, 

My  soul  desires  the  living  God, 
His  gracious  face  to  see. 

OGod!  my  spirit  is  cast  down, 
And  sorrows  vex  my  soul; 

Thy  waves  have  all  gone  over  me, 
Thy  billows  o'er  me  roll. 

Oh,  why  art  thou  disquieted  ? 

And  why  cast  down,  my  soul  ? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  His  countenance 

Shall  all  thy  fears  control. 

Unto  thy  house  I  gladly  went 
With  multitudes  to  praise, 

We  kept  thy  gladsome  holyday 
With  thankful,  joyful  lays. 


48 


I  will  recall  thy  kindnesses, 

Rich  gifts  through  all  the  days, 
And  in  the  night  my  song  shall  be 

A  song  of  prayer  and  praise. 

Then  why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul  ? 

And  why  disquiet  made  ? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  His  countenance 

Shall  yet  give  sov'reign  aid. 

J.  M. 

PSALM  CXVI 

I  love  the  Lord,  for  He  hath  heard 

My  supplicating  voice, 
He  hath  inclined  His  ear  to  me, 

He  is  my  only  choice! 

Long  as  I  live  on  Him  I'll  call, 

For  He  hath  been  my  help; 
When  sorrows  compassed  me  about 

In  love  with  me  He  dealt. 

Most  gracious  is  our  righteous  Lord, 

Our  God  is  merciful; 
I  was  brought  low,  His  sovereign  aid 

To  me  was  bountiful! 

Return  unto  thy  rest,  my  soul, 

The  Lord  preserveth  thee  — 
Thine  eyes  from  tears,  thy  feet  from  fall  — 

Thy  bonds  are  loosed  for  thee! 

What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord 
For  all  His  grace  to  me  ? 


49 


His  benefits  exceed  His  fame, 
So  bountifully  free! 

Although  His  name  fills  heaven  and  earth, 

'Tis  not  in  human  tongue 
To  sound  Jehovah's  glory  forth, — 

His  praises  are  unsung! 

Salvation's  brimming  cup  I'll  take, 

And  call  upon  the  Lord, 
Will  offer  sacrifice  of  thanks, — 

Believing,  speak  His  word. 

Forever,  Lord,  thy  truth  endures, — 

Mercy  for  our  complaints; 
And  precious  in  thy  sight  is  held 

The  death  of  all  thy  saints. 

I'll  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord, 

Upon  His  name  I'll  call, 
Here  in  thy  midst,  Jerusalem, 

Thy  courts,  O  Lord  of  all. 

L.  S.  M. 

PSALM  CXXI 

Up  to  the  hills  I  lift  mine  eyes, 

From  thence  my  help  shall  flow; 
The  Lord,  who  made  the  heaven  and  earth, 

Defends  from  ev'ry  foe. 

Nor  shall  thy  foot  be  ever  moved, 

Thy  keeper  will  not  sleep; 
The  Lord  is  still  thy  cooling  shade, 

His  sun  thy  blessing  sweet. 


The  sun  shall  smite  thee  not  by  day, 

Nor  shall  the  moon  by  night; 
The  Lord  shall  ever  thee  preserve, 

He  keeps  thee  in  His  sight. 

The  Lord  from  ev'ry  evil  thing 

Shall  ever  thee  secure; 
Thy  going  out  and  coming  in 

Shall  be  forever  sure. 

J.  M. 

PSALM  CXXI  —  R.  V. 

Above  the  mountains  is  our  God! 

Our  help  shall  come  from  whence  ? 
Jehovah  made  the  earth  and  heaven, — 

Our  help  shall  come  from  thence! 

He  slumbers  not  that  keepeth  thee; 

Thy  foot  shall  stand  secure, 
He  will  not  suffer  to  be  moved 

What  He  himself  makes  sure. 

Thy  keeper  is  the  Lord  thy  God, 

Thy  shade  upon  thy  right, 
The  sun  shall  smite  thee  not  by  day 

Nor  yet  the  moon  by  night. 

From  evil  He  thy  soul  shall  keep, 

The  Lord  thy  keeper  is; 
Thy  going  out,  thy  coming  in, 
Forevermore  are  His. 

L.  S.  M. 
51 


PSALM  CXLIII 

Give  ear,  O  Lord,  my  prayer  attend, 

My  supplication  hear, 
Nor  enter  into  judgment,  Lord, — 

Thy  servant  teach  thy  fear. 

I  call  to  mind  the  days  of  old, 

Upon  thy  works  I  muse, 
How  precious  are  thy  thoughts  to  me, 

Thy  paths  alone  I  choose. 

My  soul  is  thirsting  for  the  Lord, 

As  parched  and  thirsty  land, 
I  supplicate  thy  favor,  Lord, 

With  eager,  outstretched  hand. 

Oh,  hear  me  speedily,  my  Lord, 

My  spirit  fails  for  thee; 
Lest  I  should  fall  in  darkest  pit 

Hide  not  thy  face  from  me. 

Thy  lovingkindness  I  implore, 

In  thee  my  trust  shall  be, 
Show  me  the  way  where  I  should  walk, 

I  lift  my  soul  to  thee. 

Thy  spirit,  Lord,  is  only  good, 

Teach  me  to  do  thy  will, 
And  may  my  inmost,  secret  thought 

Thy  word  of  life  fulfill. 

J.  M. 


PSALM  XXXIV 

I  will  at  all  times  bless  the  Lord, 
My  mouth  shall  speak  His  praise, 

My  soul  shall  make  her  boast  in  God 
Through  all  the  passing 


Oh,  magnify  the  Lord  with  me, 

Let  us  exalt  His  name, 
Together  bless  His  holy  will, 

Together  speak  His  fame. 

I  sought  the  Lord,  He  heard  my  prayer, 

Inclined  His  ear  to  hear, 
He  hath  in  love  delivered  me 

From  ev'ry  secret  fear. 

The  angel  of  the  Lord  our  God 

Encampeth  round  about, 
And  those  who  fear  the  Lord  alone 

Are  led  in  safety  out. 

Oh,  taste  and  see  that  God  is  good; 

That  man  shall  blessed  be, 
Who,  in  the  time  of  trouble  deep, 

Doth  put  his  trust  in  thee. 

The  Lord  redeemeth  ev'ry  soul 

Who  seeks  to  do  His  will, 
Nor  desolate  shall  be  the  heart 

Who  loves  and  trusts  Him  still. 

J.  M. 


53 


VERSES  FOR  THE  CHILDREN 


HERALDS 

I  heard  a  little  bluebird, 

While  still  upon  the  wing, 
Sing  out  in  joyous  sweetness, 

'  'Tis  spring,  'tis  spring,  'tis  spring!" 

A  tiny  little  snowdrop 

Came  pushing  through  the  snow, 
And  said  with  modest  boldness, 

"The  spring  is  here,  I  know." 

And  ev'ry  stream  of  water 
From  Ice  King  just  set  free, 

Now  broke  its  long,  cold  silence 
And  laughed  aloud  in  glee. 

Each  pussy  on  the  willow, 

With  soft  and  silky  fur, 
Said  spring  had  come,  quite  plainly, 

Without  a  mew  or  purr. 

The  willow  trees  whose  branches 
Like  light-green  feathers  wave, 

And  willows  sadly  weeping 
O'er  winter's  fresh-made  grave, 

The  same  glad  tale  were  telling, 

While  ev'ry  gentle  breeze 
Still  made  a  low  soft  whisper 

Among  the  fresh  young  leaves. 

And  crowds  of  tulips  nodded 
Their  heads  of  gold  and  red; 

They  danced  for  very  gladness  — 
I  can't  tell  what  they  said. 


57 


If  frosty  winds  are  blowing, 
And  snow  falls  on  the  roof, 

Oh,  do  not  be  disheartened  — 
The  heralds  speak  the  truth! 

J.  M. 

CHRISTMAS  EVE 

The  air  is  filled  with  snowflakes  white, 

The  wind  is  crisp  and  cold, 
And  all  the  ears  and  noses  feel 

Jack  Frost  is  very  bold. 

How  merrily  the  sleighbells  ring, 

How  swift  the  cutters  fly, 
How  cheerily  the  children  sing, 

And  do  you  wonder  why  ? 

O  children,  hurry,  quickly  come 

And  be  as  still  as  mice, 
For  Santa  Claus  is  on  the  roof, 

He'll  be  here  in  a  trice. 

He's  such  a  jolly  little  man, 

They  say  he's  good  and  kind, 
He'll  stuff  those  stockings  to  the  brim, 

I  wonder  what  you'll  find! 

Now  children,  you  will  think  it  queer, 

It  often  comes  to  me, 
Though  Santa  Claus  is  generous, 

How  partial  he  must  be. 

Poor  children  stand  outside  the  stores, 
Their  little  feet  all  bare, 

58 


They  look  with  hungry,  longing  eyes, — 
But  Santa  doesn't  care! 

The  strangest  thing  about  it  is, 

'Tis  Christ  the  Lord's  own  day; 
He  loved  the  poor  and  lonely  ones 

And  those  who  went  astray. 

Since  Santa  doesn't  care  for  them 

I  wish  the  children  might, 
And  go  and  share  with  them  their  store 

And  make  their  Christmas  bright. 

More  merrily  the  bells  would  ring, 

More  swift  the  cutters  fly, 
More  cheerily  the  children  sing, 

Nor  would  we  wonder  why! 

J.  M. 


NIGHT  AND  MORNING 

When  the  sun  in  the  evening 

Has  sunk  in  the  west, 
And  has  bidden  good  night, 

Before  going  to  rest, 
Run  and  jump  into  bed 

And  close  your  eyes  tight, 
Let  the  room  be  quite  dark, 

Put  out  ev'ry  light. 

And  through  the  long  nighttime 
Sleep  soundly  and  well, 

Don't  visit  the  dreamland 
Where  the  hobgoblins  dwell; 

59 


But  if  the  good  fairies 

Should  visit  your  bed, 
You  might  listen  intently 

To  all  that  is  said. 

When  the  sun  in  the  morning 

Peeks  in  through  the  glass, 
And  calls  to  the  children, 

"Little  lad,  little  lass," 
Open  wide  those  closed  peepers 

And  tell  the  bright  sun, 
"We'll  not  keep  you  waiting, 

"We're  ready  to  come." 

And  when  in  your  hurry 

You  jump  out  of  bed, 
Take  care,  there's  a  right  and 

A  wrong  side,  'tis  said. 
If  you  jump  out  the  wrong  side, 

I  fear  you  will  be 
As  cross  little  children 

As  I  care  to  see. 

Now  dress  yourselves  quickly 

And  wash  ev'ry  face; 
Come,  comb  your  hair,  children, 

Each  shoe  you  must  lace; 
Oh,  there  comes  the  breakfast! 

'Twill  be  smoking  hot, 
I  am  glad  you  are  ready, 

Yes,  each  little  tot! 

Let  us  thank  the  good  Father 
For  sleep  of  the  night, 

For  food  and  for  clothing, 
And  the  sweet  morning  light; 
60 


His  gifts  are  unnumbered, 

His  blessings  still  fall, 
Give  thanks  with  your  voices 

To  the  Father  of  all. 

J.  M. 


A  WARNING 

A  blue  jay  flew  with  swiftness, 

And  dashed  against  the  glass; 
He  fell,  and  lay  as  if  quite  dead 

Upon  the  fresh  green  grass. 

A  kind  hand  raised  the  blue  jay, 

On  loving  service  bent, 
One  instant  only  did  he  fear, 

Then  lay  as  if  content. 

And  though  this  bird  recovered 

Upon  that  bright  June  day, 
Yet  twenty  other  little  birds 

Had  perished  where  he  lay. 

Beware,  both  birds  and  children, 

Be  careful  where  you  fly, 
And  when  you  speed  with  swiftness  on, 

Look  out  for  dangers  nigh. 

J.  M. 


61 


LUCIA 

Her  father  said  to  Lucia, 

"Don't  touch  this  paper,  dear," 

Then  laid  it  down,  within  her  reach, 
Upon  a  table  near. 

How  Lucia  longed  to  touch  it! 

She  thought  herself  alone, 
So,  lightly  touched  it  with  her  hand, 

And  said  in  undertone, 

"  I  wis'    I  tould  be  dood, 

Not  touch  dis  paper  so. " 
Now  don't  you  think  this  Lucia  like 

A  little  girl  you  know  ? 

J.  M. 
( 

TWO  PICTURES 

First 

Her  sunny  curls  hung  lightly  down, 
Her  eyes  were  dark,  a  chestnut  brown, 
Each  movement  showed  a  native  grace, 
Most  beautiful  her  fresh  young  face. 
She  spoke,  and  tossed  her  pretty  head, 
And  this  is  what  she  sharply  said, 
"  You  think  you're  very  smart,  I  see, 
You're  just  as  mean  as  you  can  be ! " 

Second 

No  sunny  curls  hung  lightly  down, 
Her  eyes  were  gray  instead  of  brown, 
Her  movements  snowed  no  special  grace, 
Nor  beautiful  her  winning  face. 

62 


She  spoke,  but  did  not  toss  her  head, 
And  this  is  what  she  kindly  said, 
"  I'm  sorry  that  we  hurt  you  so, 
The  other  girls  are  sorry,  too." 

J.  M. 


THIEVES 


Why,  when  I  see  a  little  girl 

That's  scowling  darkly  now, 
I  wonder  who  it  was  that  stole 

The  sunshine  from  her  brow. 

If  I  were  she  I  would  pursue 

And  catch  the  robber-chief, 
And  then  I'd  put  the  sunshine  on 

And  keep  it  from  the  thief. 

And  when  I  see  a  little  boy 

That  frets  when  chores  appear, 

I  wonder  who  it  was  that  stole 
His  whistle  of  good-cheer. 

If  I  were  he  I  would  pursue 

Until  I  caught  the  thief, 
And  then  I'd  whistle  loud  enough 

To  make  the  rascal  deaf. 

J.  M. 


WHO  KNOWS  ? 

A  butterfly  was  flitting 

About  in  careless  bliss; 
He  gaily  thought,  without  a  word, 

"  I'm  not  a  chrysalis  !  " 

A  little  frog  was  perching 

Upon  a  great  big  log; 
He  croaked,  while  proudly  sitting  there, 

"I'm  not  a  polliwog!" 

A  peacock  strutted  vainly, 

Dressed  gaily  as  a  belle; 
"  I'm  glad,"  he  cried,  with  haughty  looks, 

"  I'm  not  within  a  shell  !  " 

Then  an  enormous  bulldog 

Went  stalking  round  the  place, 

And  growled,  "I'm  not  a  puppy  small, 
'Twould  be  a  sore  disgrace!" 

Though  very  wise  the  grown  folks, 

Though  very  tall  and  trim, 
Keep  up  good  heart,  my  little  folks,  — 

Who  knows  what  they  have  been  ? 

J.M. 


MISSION  RALLY 

"O  mamma,  quick!  let  me  go  too 
For  John  an'  Sue  an'  Sallie, 

Every  one  of  'em  are  going 
To  'tend  the  Mission  Rally.' 


64 


"  But,  Jamie,  you  are  very  young, 

My  little  boy  must  know 
Just  what  a  Mission  Rally  means 

Before  I  let  him  go." 

"You've  told  me,  mamma,  lots  of  times 

What  missionaries  do, 
An'  Cousin  Jane  is  going  to  be 

A  missionary  too. 

"Quick,  mamma,  quick,  do  tell  me,  quick! 

I  know  I  just  heard  Sallie 
Say, '  Come,  it's  time  for  us  to  go 

To  'tend  the  Mission  Rally. ' 

"  If  I  am  only  four  years  old, 

I  guess  I  ain't  a  heathen, 
For  I  know  all  'bout  Jesus  Christ, 

An'  I  know  all  'bout  heaven. 

"An'  Mission  Rally  means,  wake  up, 

An'  everybody  go 
An'  put  the  money  in  the  box 

So  heathen  folks'll  know." 

"  I  see,  my  boy,  you  understand, 

And  you  shall  go  with  Sallie, 
To  put  your  money  in  the  box 

And  'tend  the  Mission  Rally." 

L.  S.  M. 


MISCELLANEOUS  VERSES 


MAN  AND  NATURE 

The  soul's  deepest  passions  never  are  told. 
Nature  enthralls  —  'tis  her  glory  to  hold 
Captive  the  soul  in  entrancing  caress, 
Which,  would  you  fly,  proves  a  charmed  duress. 
Change  of  the  scene  breaks  the  magical  spell. 
Impress,  the  vision,  the  music  as  well, 
Remain  with  the  spirit,  its  riches  enhance  — 
Forces  impelling  to  constant  advance. 
They  all  give  enlargement,  the  being  make  broad, 
Ennoble  the  soul  in  the  greatness  of  God. 
Onward!     New  scenes  bring  a  ravishing  stress  — 
Stress  of  delights  beyond  pow'r  to  express. 
Poets,  with  heavenly  art,  try  in  vain 
To  sing  of  a  glacier  one  adequate  strain  — 
Paint  in  word-picture  the  plumage  of  bird  — 
The  grace  and  the  movement  of  nature's  wild  herd  - 
Charm  of  the  cataract  tumbling  adown, 
Dashing  o'er  cliffs  from  mountains  around, 
Mingling,  in  fury,  or  spray  soft  as  dew 
Colored  with  rainbows  of  every  hue, 
With  the  still  waters  that  quietly  flow, 
Winding  a  river  through  valley  below. 
Valley  with  music  so  set  to  the  scene 
That  the  soul  of  who  listens,  awed  and  serene, 
Wakes  in  surprise  to  discover  anew 
Nature  in  harmony,  perfect  all  through. 
Deep  organ  tones  of  the  cataract's  roar 
Chime  so  exactly,  man  finds  evermore, 
Vibrating  within,  the  chords  of  a  lyre 
Tuned  to  nature  by  hands  that  are  higher. 
A  child,  when  a  rainbow  burst  first  into  sight, 
Threw  her  hands  high  in  wildest  delight, 
69 


Exclaiming  in  awe,  yet  in  rapturous  glee, 

"Oh,  I  tan't 'peak  it!     Tan't 'peak  it!     Turn  see!" 

Older  indeed,  yet  like  children  are  we, 

Tell  if  you  can,  what  you  hear,  what  you  see; 

Give  us  the  scene  from  a  telescope  view  — 

I  cannot  speak  it,  nor  speak  it  can  you. 

It  must  be  seen!    .Could  you  tell  what  is  felt, 

The  faith  of  the  world  into  substance  would  melt. 

L.  S.  M. 


THE  ONE  I  FOUND 

Bursting  into  tears  she  said,  "  Is  it  possible  you  have  interest 
in  one  so  low  down  ?  " 

I  found  her  in  her  house 

Whose  feet  go  down  to  death; 

Of  cultivated  mien, 

With  much  of  beauty  left. 

She  answered  to  the  bell, 
Met  me  with  blank  surprise, 

Reluctant  let  me  in, 

With  strangeness  in  her  eyes. 

She  had  no  brazen  look, 

But  stony-like  despair; 
With  such  intelligence 

How  ever  came  she  there  ? 

I  gave  my  errand  then. 
Was  looking  for  another  — 

A  poor,  misguided  child  — 
To  bring  her  to  her  mother. 

70 


A  drop  of  pearly  dew, 

Condensed  by  the  cool  night. 
Holds  in  itself  complete 

The  many  rays  of  light, — 

So  her  cold  night  condensed 
One  most  potential  word, 

That  held  for  her  all  love, 

All  light,  all  life  —  she  heard  — 

Heard  that  one  word,  mother, — 

The  stony  face  relaxed; 
I  saw  a  chord  was  touched, 

A  change  appeared,  I  asked, 

"Is  Marion  Brighton  here  ? 

(Though  that  is  not  her  name), 
'Tis  she  I  came  to  see, — 

This  Marion  is  the  same." 

"She's  gone  to-day,"  she  said, 
"  But  will  return  to-morrow. 

Her  story  is  most  sad, 

So  brimming  full  of  sorrow." 

"Now  will  you  let  me  sit," 
I  said,  "  and  hear  you  tell 

The  story  of  her  life, 

Which  you  must  know  so  well  ?" 

She  brought  a  chair  for  me, 
And  one,  too,  for  herself; 

Then  the  sad  history 

Was  taken  from  the  shelf. 


Transfigured  she  became 
While  talking,  and  I  heard 

The  tragic  eloquence 

That  burned  in  ev'ry  word. 

She  forgot  who,  what,  where 
She  was  —  herself  forgot  — 

All  except  Marion 
And  her  unhappy  lot. 

The  girl  she  wished  to  save, 
Restore  her  to  her  home, — 

"  For  there  they  mourn  for  her, 
Pleading,  'Why  won't  she  come  ?' 

Her  face  shone  luster  light, 
Her  words  were  all  aglow; 

I  saw  her  as  in  truth 
And  innocence,  I  know. 

My  heart  broke  forth,  "  I  now 

Have  interest  in  you!" 
Then  bursting  into  tears 

She  wailed,  "  Can  it  be  true  ? " 

"  Can  you  have  interest 
In  one  sunk  so  low  down, 

Whom  all,  e'en  my  own  father, 
Would  cast  off  with  a  frown  ? 

"  He  is  a  clergyman, 

Presiding  elder,  he, 
Who  cared  for  his  own  will 

More  than  he  cared  for  me. 


72 


"Self  willed,  I  went  from  home 

In  anger  —  all  amiss  — 
And  married  him  who  brought  me 

To  such  a  home  as  this. 

"And  now  there's  nothing  left 

In  all  this  world  for  me, 
Only  degradation, 

Which  you  so  plainly  see." 

"Oh,  don't  despair,"  I  urged, 

"For  Jesus  will  receive; 
If  you  would  only  come, 

He'd  freely  all  forgive." 

"Never  would  my  father! 

I  know  that  Jesus  would, 
If  I  could  only  come 

To  Him  — oh,  if  I  could!" 

I'd  travel  many  miles 

To  find  a  Marget  Howe, 
Whose  faith  and  love  and  wisdom 

Wrought  then,  perhaps  would  now 

Upon  a  Lachlan  Campbell, 

In  showing  him  his  pride 
Which  holds  him  thus  from  bringing 

This  daughter  to  his  side. 


73 


SELF  DEFEAT 

An  inadvertent  blow  may  wound, 

A  wounding  unto  death, 
But  painless  on  the  spirit  fall, 

Which,  cheerful,  yields  the  breath. 

A  word  from  love  itself  may  give, 

A  blow  no  love  could  fend, 
Which  hurts  the  body,  not  the  soul, 

To  death  no  sting  can  lend. 

But  malice  never  gave  a  blow 

Cruel  through  hate  and  sin, 
That  might  not  give,  like  game's  miss  hits, 

A  shorter  cut  to  win. 

Who  rolls  a  stone,  will  find,  alas! 

On  him  the  stone  comes  back 
With  the  momentum  it  was  sent, 

To  him,  momentous  fact. 

Touch  not  the  missile  hurled  at  thee, 

Nor  once  in  wrath  resent; 
A  kick  would  give  the  thing  a  bound 

Above  the  head  that  sent. 

L.  S.  M. 


AN  ARMENIAN 

God  will  avenge  Armenia's  slain, 
Or  He  hath  uttered  words  in  vain; 
All  Moslem  rule  and  hate  must  cease, 
And  God  bring  in  the  reign  of  peace. 


74 


"  My  word  shall  not  return,  "  saith  He, 
"Till  it  accomplish  my  decree, 
And  not  one  jot  or  tittle  fail, 
Till  truth  and  righteousness  prevail!" 

"How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long  ?"  we  pray; 
"A  thousand  years  —  to  thee  a  day  — 
Seem  long  to  our  ephem'ral  life 
Midst  carnage,  famine,  blood,  and  strife. 

'  'Tis  not  the  martyred  host  we  mourn, 
By  fiercest  anguish  rent  and  torn, 
Come  up  through  tribulation  great, 
They  passed  within  the  pearly  gate. 

"  But  we  the  living  —  not  yet  slain! 
Our  life  one  scene  of  living  pain! 
We  hear  our  God  on  ev'ry  side 
By  Allah's  murd'rous  host  defied." 

"  How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long,"  we  pray, 
"Shall  Moslem  Turks  have  pow'r  to  slay 
Thy  children  —  trusting  in  thy  word, 
And  loving  thee  to  seal  of  blood  ? " 

"The  nations  of  the  earth  pass  by, 
Behold  the  carnage  as  we  die, 
Having  the  pow'r  give  no  relief! 
Christian  nations  ?     Past  belief! 

"Art  thou  our  Father  —  children  we, 
Secure  in  thy  immensity  — 
Safely  intrenched  where  earth  is  trod, 
By  oath  and  promise  of  a  God  ? 


75 


"What  means  thy  promise  ?    We  are  killed! 
From  morn  to  morn  our  days  are  filled 
With  sick'ning  horrors  that  appall! 
Oh,  give  a  faith  surmounting  all! 

"Thou  who  didst  save  from  furnace  fire 
Canst  save  from  man's  insatiate  ire; 
Who  safety  gave  in  lion's  den, 
Can'st  thou  not  save  from  fiercest  men  ? 

"  Oh,  wouldst  thou  heal  the '  severed  ear, ' 
Wouldst  show  thy  pow'r,  right  now  and  here, 
To  bring  our  murdered  ones  to  life! 
Thy  sov'reign  word  would  end  the  strife." 

"My  thoughts  are  not  your  thoughts,  O  man, 

Nor  are  my  ways  as  thine; 

But  higher,  as  the  heavens  than  earth, 

So  than  thy  ways  are  mine. 

"From  all  eternity  I  laid 
My  plan  so  deep,  so  broad; 
When  you  can  fathom  my  design 
You  comprehend  a  God!" 

L.  S.  M. 


WHO  ARE  MOST  BLEST  ? 

Are  they,  from  toil  exempt  and  free, 
Who  live  at  ease,  most  blest  ? 

Life  brings  to  such  monotony, 
The  restlessness  of  rest. 


They're  not  most  blest  who  most  are  loved, 

But  they  who  love  the  most; 
Not  they  who  have  a  host  of  friends, 

But  who  befriend  a  host. 

They're  not  most  blest  who  have  received 

Christ's  message  from  above, 
But  they  who  send  that  message  forth 

To  all  the  world  in  love. 

They  are  most  blest  who  fill  this  life 

With  most  of  life  eternal, 
Who,  shrinking  not  from  toil  and  strife, 

Transmute  to  joys  supernal. 

L.  S.  M. 

"FOREVER  WITH  THE  LORD" 

With  mind  for  months  obscured, 

He  seemed  so  far  away, 
And  lonely  were  the  hours 

I  passed  from  day  to  day. 

I  sought  in  vain  to  place  him, — 

A  portion  seemed  so  hid, 
The  portion  that  responded 

To  all  I  said  and  did. 

And  still  he  was  among  us, 

And  walking  at  my  side; 
Not  here,  nor  was  he  there, 

But  he  was  with  his  Guide, 

Who  led  him  to  the  Father 

That  sitteth  on  the  Throne, 
To  be  with  Christ  forever, — 

The  weary  one  brought  home. 

77 


And  now  he  seems  so  near  me, 

Just  as  he  was  before, 
He's  here,  he's  there,  and  growing 

In  spirit  evermore. 

He  waited  for  the  transit, 

And  now  for  us  he  waits; 
Oh,  thou  blest  Guide  eternal, 

Bring  us  within  "The  Gates." 

L.  S.  M. 


THE  CHANGE 

Oh,  what  must  it  be  when  a  spirit  set  free, 

Through  the  "  beautiful  mystery  "   —  death, 
From  groping  his  way,  in  a  dark,  with  no  day, 

Is  changed  in  a  moment  —  a  breath, 
From  blindness  to  sight! 

Where    the   Lamb  on  the  Throne  is  forever  the 
Light. 

L.  S.  M. 

TO  C.  A.  I. 

Those  flowers! —  Memorial  of  the  living, 

Sweet  tribute  for  the  dead, 
Whose  beauty  and  whose  fragrance 

On  ambient  air  are  shed; 
Fit  emblem  of  her  life 

Whose  loving  word  and  deed 
Poured  forth  as  precious  ointment 

Bring  now  the  highest  meed. 

L.  S.  M. 
78 


SING  ON 

Sing  on,  sing  on,  sweet  bird, 

And  let  thy  music  thrill 
The  hearts  of  those  who  crave  thy  song, 
as  I 

When  mine  is  cold  and  still. 

Sing  on,  sing  on,  sweet  bird, 

Nor  once  forget  that  all 
Thy  sweetest  songs  are  not  thine  own, 

But  strains  from  heaven  let  fall. 

Sing  on,  sing  on,  sweet  bird, 

Give  back  to  heaven  its  own; 
Thy  comforting  of  hearts  shall  rise 

Incense,  when  thou  art  flown. 

L.  S.  M. 


WRONGS  THAT  RIGHT  AND    HURTS    THAT 

HEAL 

The  wrongs  of  the  world 
Are  their  own  beacon-light, 

Give  heed  to  its  warning 
And  steer  your  course  right. 

The  hurts  of  the  world 

Are  the  surgeon's  keen  knife, 

Whose  cutting  and  slashing 
Protect  health  and  life. 

L.  S.  M. 

79 


MY  BIRTHDAY 

Dear  Daisy, 

Your  little  booklet  brought  to  me, 
More  vivid  than  e'er  I  had  seen, 

"1823 -1893" 

And  my  life  but  a  dash  between. 

L.  S.  M. 

A  DREAM 

I  dreamed  that  our  nation  had  squandered 
The  boon  they  so  long  had  enjoyed  — 
Prosperity,  peerless,  unrivaled  — 
Bewildered,  were  groping  to  find 
The  secret  incautiously  lost. 

Thank  God,  it  was  only  a  dream, 
Yet  dream  that  was  awful  and  real; 
I  prayed  to  the  God  of  all  nations, 
"Oh,  show  to  our  nation,  bewildered, 
Just  where  the  lost  secret  to  find, 
And  finding,  oh,  teach  them  to  hold 
The  treasure,  so  hard  to  restore. 
Prosperity's  secret  is  vital! 
Our  nation  must  find  it  to  live! 
Oh,  may  they  while  groping  recall 
What  they  in  beginning  held  dear; 
Found  neither  in  silver  nor  gold, 
Inherent  in  honor  and  truth; 
The  secret  of  thrift  in  a  nation 
Is  always  and  only  in    thee! 

^  L.  S.  M. 

80 


OUR  BOYS 

Coming  from  church  I  saw  boys  on  the  corner, 
'Twas  after  election  —  the  sixth  of  November; 
There  were  eight  —  perhaps  ten  of  them  —  earnest  and 

bright, 

And  the  topic  that  held  them,  I  guessed  at  first  sight. 
"You  talk  of  the  president  — who  may  he  be  ?" 
"Don't  know"— "Cleveland"  -"Elaine,"  answered 

one,  two,  and  three. 
"You're  naming  your  choices?"    "Yes,  ma'am,  that 

we  be," 

"We  are  waiting  returns,  pretty  soon  we  shall  see; 
Connecticut,  New  York  and  New  Jersey  are  sure; 
If  Nevada  goes  right  our  choice  is  secure." 
Excitement  made  ev'ry  face  glowing  and  bright, 
Their  intelligence  shining  with  luster  and  light. 

"You'll  all  vote  soon,  boys," — "Seven  years,"  and 

"Eight  I"— 

And  with  real  admiration  I  slowly  passed  by. 
I  thought  as  I  went,  with  much  joy  and  some  sorrow, 
Our  boys  of  to-day  are  our  men  of  to-morrow. 

For  I  thought  of  the  men  who  jeopard  their  soul 
For  love  of  strong  drink  and  the  free  flowing  bowl; 
So  with  my  deep  joy,  there  was  some  shade  of  sorrow, 
Will  the  boys  of  to-day  be  such  men  of  to-morrow  ? 

The  hope  of  our  country,  our  country  forever! 
Thou  Spirit  of  Power,  oh,  band  them  together, 
And  so  teach  our  girls  truth,  that  they  will  stand  with 

them, 
Strong  to  help,  through  the  grace  and  the  virtue  they 

give  them. 

81 


Then  flame  forth  the  law,  boys,  always  written  within; 
It  will  save  you  from  drinking,  will  save  you  from  sin; 
And  we'll  think  with  great  joy  and  no  trace  of  sorrow, 
Our  boys  of  to-day  are  our  men  of  to-morrow. 

L.  S.  M. 

A  TRUE  INCIDENT 

The  mother  taught  her  boy  right  well, 
When  she  said,  "No,"  and  he  said,  "Tell— 
She  was  firm,  and  so  was  he, 
Just  as  boys  are  apt  to  be. 
And  so  it  was,  one  Christmastide, 
He  peered  around  till  he  espied  — 
She  was  firm,  and  so  was  he, 
Just  as  boys  are  apt  to  be  — 
A  package  that  was  tied  all  nice, 
"What's  in  it  ?"  asked  he  in  a  trice  — 
She  was  firm,  and  so  was  he, 
Just  as  boys  are  apt  to  be. 
"I've  taught  you  not  to  ask,  my  son, 
You  see  the  package  yet  undone." 
She  was  firm,  and  so  was  he, 
Just  as  boys  are  apt  to  be. 
To  both,  that  proved  a  trying  day, 
The  boy  set  out  to  force  his  way, 
He  was  firm,  and  so  was  she, 
Just  as  mothers  ought  to  be. 
The  little  flame  threw  out  just  this, 
"If  you  won't  tell,  then  I  won't  kiss!" 
She  was  firm,  and  so  was  he, 
Just  as  boys  are  apt  to  be. 

Passed  weeks  and  months,  unchanged  the  twain, 
"  What's  in  that  bundle  ?"  urged  in  vain. 
82 


She  was  firm,  and  'so  was  he, 

Just  as  boys  are  apt  to  be. 

A  year!     How  could  he  stand  it  longer! 

His  love,  repressed,  than  will  grew  stronger; 

His  heart  did  ache,  and  hers  did  too, 

Just  as  mothers'  often  do. 

That  very  day  the  dike  gave  way, 

The  pent-up  swell  behind  it; 

On  rushed  the  tide  that  could  not  stay, 

No  press  of  will  to  mind  it. 

The  pain  and  grief  of  those  long  months 

Dissolved  in  tears  that  flowed  together, 

He  threw  his  arms  around  her  neck 

And  kissed  and  kissed  and  kissed  her! 

The  passion  of  his  grief  o'erpast, 

His  spirit  made  most  humble, 

He  raised  his  eyes  to  mamma's  face 

And  asked,  "  What  was  there  in  that  bundle?" 

L.  and  J. 

Written  for  the  woman's    edition  of  the  Canton  Daily 
Register,  February  12,  1895. 

In  the  " Poet's  Corner" 

You  offered  me  a  place, 
Alas!  I  could  not  take  it, 
Without  a  poet's  grace. 
Like  Granville,  then,  I  prayed  — 

"Your  aid,  O  muses,  bring!" 
Alas!  for  me,  if  not  for  Granville, 

Muses  refuse  to  sing. 
O  muse!  I  cried,  I  will  pursue  you; 
A  still,  small  voice  replied, 
"  I  never  knew  you." 

L.  S.  M. 

83 


SLEEP* 
Good   morning,   Dame  Nature,  Good   morning,   sweet 


, 
Sleep's  mighty  dominion  hath  held  me  to-night. 

Sleep!  Wonderful  Sleep!  Would'st  thy  secret  disclose, 

How  much  would  remain  of  the  world's  direst  woes  ? 

Balm  of  the  gods,  like  an  all-healing  wort, 

For  spirits,  perchance,  that  an  archer  hath  hurt, 

Unrivalled  as  conqueror  in  the  world's  strife, 

Sleep,  mightiest  Sleep,  thou  hast  conquered  all  life, 

Achieving  thy  conquests  by  holding  quite  still 

In  a  bloodless  embrace,  all  foes  to  thy  will; 

Not  for  spoils  for  thyself  —  'tis  thy  pride  to  bestow 

The  wealth  of  all  conquests  on  each  fallen  foe. 

Oh,  give  to  our  soldiers  —  the  wounded  and  weak, 

The  boon  of  thy  power,  thou  life-giving  Sleep, 

Thy  triumphs  we  nightly  invoke  for  us  still, 

Oh,  hold  us  all  captive  in  thy  sovereign  will. 

L.  S.  M. 

I  DO  NOT  KNOW 

When  life  appears  a  tangled  skein 

I  seek  to  straighten  all  in  vain, 

My  spirit  stilled,  no  word  can  say, 

So  crushed  my  heart,  no  form  can  pray  — 

My  soul's  whole  strength,  from  depth  of  woes, 

Breathes  forth  the  prayer,  God   knows!  God 

knows  ! 

I  rise-made  strong,  my  spirit  whole, 
The  peace  of  God  pervades  my  soul, 
My  words  are  there,  an  answered  prayer, 

God  knows!  God  knows! 

*This  poem  was  written  after  a  refreshing  night's  sleep  follow- 
ing a  day  of  suffering. 

84 


But  when  the  world's  vast  needs  appear, 
I  seal  my  heart  and  close  my  ear, 
Refuse  to  do,  refuse  to  know 
The  knowledge  that  would  make  me  do, — 
Then  dare  to  pray,  ""Thy  kingdom  come, 
Thy  will  on  earth,  O  Lord,  be  done, 
I  do  not  know  the  work  at  all, 
But  thou,  O  Christ,  dost  know  it  all — " 
My  words  lie  there,  unanswered  prayer  — 
I  ought  to  know! 

L.  S.  M. 


DIFFERENT  STANDPOINTS 

Two  buckets,  so  the  story  runs, 

Were  going  to  a  well; 
One  bucket  that  looked  old  and  worn 

Spoke  where  the  shadows  fell, 

"  I  think,  however  full  I  go, 

I'm  empty  when  I  come," 

The  other  answered  cheerily 

While  glitt'ring  in  the  sun, 

"However  empty  I  come  back, 

With  joy  I  always  think, 

That  to  the  brim  I  shall  be  full 

When  in  the  well  I  sink." 

J.  M. 


COMFORT . 

When  tossed  about  with  care  and  pain, 
When  rest  I  seek,  yet  all  in  vain, 
When  anxious  thoughts  of  what  will  be 
To  me  or  mine,  are  chafing  me, 
The  greatest  comfort  is,  I  trow, 
The  gossips  know!  The  gossips  know! 

J.M. 

I  IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  LORD 

"  Whatsoever^ye  do  in  word  or  deed,  do  all  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jesus."  Col.  iii:  17. 

"  A  servant  with  this  clause 
Makes  drudgery  divine; 
Who  sweeps  a  room  as  for  thy  laws 
Makes  that  and  th'  action  fine." 

— GEORGE  HERBERT 

'Tis  easy,  quite,  these  words  to  read, 

Not  so  to  sweep  the  room, 
Clearly  "as  for  thy  laws"  so  pure 

To  wield  in  faith  the  broom; 

To  keep  a  sense  undimmed  and  strong 

Of  truth  which  underlies, 
To  find  amid  the  whirling  dust 

The  law  which  sense  defies: 

Amid  the  common  humdrum  tasks 

To  make  the  "action  fine," 
Bring  into  all  our  earthly  toil 
The  heavenly  life  divine. 

J.M. 
86 


SOWING  AND  REAPING 

If  each  seed  of  truth  you  scatter 
Should  bring  forth  a  thousand-fold, 

Would  your  barns  be  filled  to  bursting 
With  the  grain  which  they  would  hold  ? 

If  each  little  act  of  kindness 

Should  the  richest  harvest  bring, 
Would  you  need  to  build  new  storerooms 

When  the  shouts  of  harvest  ring  ? 

J.  M. 


"OVERCOME  EVIL  WITH  GOOD" 

The  faults  you  strive  to  overcome, 

Will  yield  to  noble  deeds; 
With  precious  seed  sow  well  the  soil, 

Not  simply  pull  the  weeds. 

In  striving  to  forget  yourself, 

Yourself  you  keep  in  mind, 
The  thing  you're  striving  to  forget, 

You're  always  sure  to  find. 

A  heart  that's  brimming  o'er  with  love, 

Nothing  of  self  can  hold; 
When  love  is  manifest  in  deeds, 

It  brings  a  joy  fourfold. 

When  you  some  harsh,  unfriendly  word 

Are  tempted  sore  to  say, 
Wait  till  a  tender,  gracious  word 

Has  first  had  right  of  way. 

87 


If  ever  restless  you  should  feel, 

Proud  and  ambitious  grow, 
Seek  to  become  a  little  child  — 

The  kingdom  enter  so. 

If  you  are  vexed  because  you  think 

Your  things  are  old  and  worn, 
Just  share  with  those  in  greater  need, 

Whose  clothes  are  really  torn. 

If  in  detractive,  slighting  words, 

You  find  a  secret  sting, 
Seek  what  of  truth  they  may  infold, 

With  strength  correction  bring.      , 

If  you  are  oft  dissatisfied, 

And  bitterly  complain, 
Because  your  castles  built  in  air 

No  real  form  can  gain, 

Why,  build  a  wx>odshed  good  and  strong  — 

It  is  a  useful  thing, 
'Twill  clear  your  brain  of  idle  dreams, 

And  solid  comfort  bring. 

J.  M. 

BEHOLD  WE  COUNT  THEM  HAPPY  WHICH 
ENDURE" 

"We  count  them  happy  which  endure!" 

Then  why  can't  we  be  happy  too  ? 
For  each  can  find  some  little  thing 
He  cannot  cure. 

88 


'We  count  them  happy  which  endure!" 

Then  let  us  all  be  happy  too; 
Each  bear  his  burden,  great  or  small, 
With  purpose  pure. 

J.  M. 


MY  NEIGHBOR 

My  neighbor  should  be  thoughtful, 
Most  kind  and  cheerful  be, 

Nor  should  he  make  his  burdens 
A  feather's  weight  to  me. 

He  should  be  honest  always, 
His  fences  should  be  strong, 

And  he  should  be  so  patient 
No  matter  what  the  wrong. 

His  house  and  lawn  and  garden 
Should  always  be  kept  neat, 

His  dog  and  cat  and  chickens 
Should  always  clean  their  feet. 

He  never  should  be  stingy, 
Nor  should  he  wasteful  be, 

He  ever  should  be  humble, 
Nor  others'  frailties  see. 

I,  too,  would  have  him  social, 
Yet  always  wise  in  speech; 

And  when  he  speaks  most  lightly 
Some  useful  lesson  teach. 


89 


I  doubt  not  he  should  humor 

Most  carefully  my  whim; 
I  see  with  perfect  clearness 

The  path  that's  right  for  him. 

One  thought  will  come  unbidden 

And  gives  me  secret  pain; 
What  if  my  neighbor's  vision 

Should  see  my  path  as  plain  ? 

J.  M. 

DEPRIVATION 

Where  trumpet  vines  luxuriant  grow, 

And  honeysuckles  twine, 
The  busy  bee  can  store  its  hive 

With  honey  from  the  vine. 
But  where  the  desert  sands  outstretch, 

And  ev'ry  rock  is  bare, 
'Tis  hard  for  e'en  a  busy  bee 

To  find  its  winter  fare. 

J.  M. 

THE  SURFACE 

To  smile,  yet  be  in  pain, 

To  laugh,  yet  scarce  know  why, 

A  light  and  mirthful  joy  to  feign, 
Because  another's  by. 

To  talk  on  many  a  theme, 

Yet  speak  the  heart  in  none; 
To  make  your  life  to  others  seem 
Your  choice  which  you  have  won. 

J.  M. 
90 


[  WITHOUT  A  DEGREE 

Who  taught  that  nightingale  to  sing 
Those  notes  that  burst  in  rapture  forth  ? 
The  melody  must  surely  bring 
A  joy  to  all  who  hear  him  sing. 

What!  no  one  taught  the  bird  that  song  ? 
No  skillful  master,  training  gave  ? 
Why,  surely  then  it  must  be  wrong 
To  let  the  birdling  sing  his  song! 

J.  M. 


A  DIAMOND 

How  often  as  children  we  all  have  been  told 
That  speech  is  but  silver  and  silence  is  gold; 
But  power  to  speak  or  be  silent  at  will, 
To  know  when  and  how  to  speak  out  or  be  still, 
A  diamond  would  be  of  measureless  worth, 
More  precious  than  any  we  have  upon  earth. 

J.  M 

LIMITATION 

These  narrow  lives,  so  commonplace, 
By  outward  limitation  bound, 
Have  still  for  those  who  seek  aright, 
Expansion  which  no  limit  knows.,     $\ 
The  center  of  a  circle  true, 
The  smallest  thing,  the  merest  point, 
The  radii  no  bound  may  know, 
The  ever  wid'ning  circle  seek. 


So  at  the  center  of  our  lives 
The  spirit's  forces  dormant  lie, 
But  they  can  follow,  if  they  wake, 
Yet  never,  never  can  o'ertake 
The  limitless  ideal. 

J.  M. 

A  DISTINCTION 

When  pity's  poured  o'er  wounded  hearts 

It  only  gives  a  keener  sting, 
But  flowing  forth  from  hearts  of  love, 

Your  sympathy  doth  healing  bring. 

J.  M. 

THE  OLD  AND  THE  NEW 

The  older  Generation  sat 

And  shook  his  hoary  head, 
"  It  was  not  so  when  I  was  young," 

With  emphasis,  he  said. 

The  younger  Generation  stood 

And  held  erect  his  head, 
"  It  is  not  as  it  used  to  be, 

More  light!  More  light! "  he  said. 

The  older  Generation  mourned 

The  thoughts  which  time  had  freed, 

The  younger  Generation  spurned 
The  old  cast-iron  creed. 

And  yet  the  vital  essence,  still, 

Of  truth,  remains  the  same, 
Though  couched  in  varied  formulae, 

And  under  varied  name. 
92 


The  younger  need  not  vaunt  in  pride, 
Although  his  dress  be  new; 

The  older,  need  not  think,  in  pain, 
The  old  alone  is  true. 


FREEDOM 

The  body,  made  an  instrument 

Of  human  feeling,  will,  and  thought, 

Becomes,  bereft  of  strength  and  pow'r, 
A  cage,  with  bars  of  iron  wrought. 

Yet,  though  impregnable  the  cage, 
It  hath  no  pow'r,  in  bonds  to  hold 

The  spirit  which  the  Christ  hath  freed, 
The  living,  vital,  human  soul. 

J.  M. 


INFLUENCE 

We  strive  by  words  to  make  one  know 
A  simple  truth,  we  love  it  so, 
But  though  we  strive,  'tis  all  in  vain, 
Till  by  an  act  of  love  they  gain 
Admittance  to  our  thought. 

Sometimes  our  words  have  made  quite  clear 
A  simple  truth,  that  we  hold  dear, 
And  yet  we  find  'tis  all  in  vain, 
An  act  of  self  obscures  again 
The  entrance  to  our  thought. 

J.M. 
93 


RICHES 

That  life  is  rich  that  freely  gives 

Its  sympathy  and  care; 
That  counts  as  gain  love's  sharpest  pain, 

Nor  will  its  treasures  spare. 

That  life  is  rich  that  keeps  in  touch 

With  human  hopes  and  fears, 
Whose  heart  doth  know  the  overflow 
Of  others'  joys  and  tears. 

J.  M. 
\    * 
| 

A  CHARACTERIZATION 

Sometimes  a  vital  thought  appears 

Writ  in  italics  on  the  soul, 
Belongs  to  one  peculiarly, 

And  dominates  the  whole. 

His  words  and  acts  unconsciously 
Discover  to  the  world  this  thought; 

It  lends  a  strength  and  dignity; 
Wins  homage  all  unsought. 

Unlike  to  him  of  narrow  mind, 

His  thoughts  are  ever  broad  and  free; 

One  thought,  by  a  peculiar  power, 
Blends  other  thoughts  to  harmony. 

J.  M. 


94 


'HAVE  DOMINION  OVER  ALL  THE  EARTH" 

How  strange  that  man's  dominion, 

His  sovereign  control, 
Should  bow  in  abject  slavery 

The  affections  of  the  soul. 

The  forces  he  has  conquered, 

And  holds  in  bondage  still, 
Have,  by  insidious  power, 

Enslaved  the  heart  and  will. 

He  bows  before  the  idols 

Which  his  own  hands  have  made, 

While  the  dignity  of  manhood, 
Low  in  the  dust  is  laid. 

J.  M. 


THE  IDEAL 

I  would  not  dwarf  the  high  ideal 

Down  to  my  stature  low; 
I  choose  the  stinging,  humbling  smart 

Of  failure  while  I  grow. 

'Tis  earnest  of  eternal  growth, 

This  limitless  Ideal; 
Enchained  to  earth  the  soul  must  live 

Which  seeks  no  higher  weal. 

J.  M. 


95 


UNKNOWN 

Unconscious  'neath  the  surface  lie 

The  powers  of  heart  and  mind, 
Nor  can  the  keenest  thought  explore 

That  region  deep  and  undefined. 
'Tis  fragments  only  that  we  see, 

Nor  knowledge  of  our  selves  can  win; 
The  unknown  future  makes  appeal 

To  unknown  depths  concealed  within. 

J.  M. 

CAGED 

Some  birds,  while  prisoned  in  a  cage, 
Their  sweetest  songs  persistent  sing, 

While  othets  dash  against  the  bars 

And  bruise  the  head,  and  break  the  wing. 

Now  if  your  soul  must  have  a  cage, 
Be  sure  your  sweetest  songs  to  sing, 

Nor  have  within  your  iron  bars 
A  bruised  head,  a  broken  wing. 

J.  M. 

MY  MESSAGE 

"The  word,  in  darkness,  taught  thee, 

Now  speak,  in  light,  for  me;" 
I  heard  the  voice  distinctly, 

"  My  witness  thou  shalt  be." 

What  changes  in  my  purpose 

That  word,  in  darkness,  brought; 

But  simple  was  the  message, 
There  to  my  spirit  taught. 

96 


And  yet  it  was  my  message, 

The  word  which  7  should  speak, 

I  might  not  sit  in  silence 

Because  my  words  seemed  weak. 

When  deeper  words  were  given 

For  other  lips  to  say, 
With  eloquence  and  beauty 

Emitting  brighter  ray; 

Still  was  my  message  with  me, 

Entrusted  to  my  care, 
I  might  not  change  its  accent, 

No  other  message  bear. 

J.  M. 

THANKSGIVING 

Be  thankful,  O  my  people; 

Most  bountiful  and  free 
Are  the  blessings  of  the  Father 

Coming  constantly  to  thee. 
How  brightly  on  your  hearthstones 

The  household  fires  burn; 
The  sowing  of  the  seedtime 

Hath  brought  a  rich  return. 

Be  thankful,  O  my  people; 

The  star  of  hope  shines  bright, 
Our  nation  still  shall  prosper 

Beneath  the  heaven's  clear  light; 
May  ev'ry  wrong  be  righted 

And  dark  oppression  cease, 
And  universal  brotherhood 

Bring  universal  peace. 

J.  M. 

97 


REMEMBRANCES 

I  sat  within  my  quiet  nook, 

While  others'  thoughts  were  borne  to  me; 
In  common,  earthly  forms  they  came, 

Such  forms  as  daily  one  might  see; 
And  yet  I  knew  the  impulse  sweet 
Was  for  an  angel's  spirit  meet. 

When  we  to  others  send  our  thoughts, 

Though  clothed  in  simple,  homespun  dress, 

If  they  would  read  the  impulse  there, 

Which  would  another's  hearthstone  bless, 

Though  love  should  simplest  garment  wear, 

She  would  a  heavenly  message  bear. 

J.  M. 


TO  DAISY 

This  full-blown  rose  I  send  to  thee, 

And  ask  thee  to  accept, 
Although  you  begged  its  life  of  me 

And  wished  it  to  be  kept; 
For  die  it  must,  and  ere  it  die 

'Twill  witness  to  one  truth, 
Just  take  the  language  of  the  bud  — 

You  knew  this  well,  forsooth ! 

J.  M. 


98 


TO  LAURA  J.* 

How  glad  I  was  to  see  your  face, 

To  know  your  name  and  age; 
If  I  had  seen  your  head  alone, 

I'd  take  you  for  a  sage. 

"How  old  am  I  ?"  I  may  not  tell, 

But  sadly  must  confess 
I've  reached  the  age  when  women  ask 

The  curious  to  guess. 

J.  M. 


TO  LAURA  J. 

The  other  picture  showed  your  head, 

But  this  reveals  your  heart, 
By  poets,  if  not  sages,  deemed 

The  nobler,  higher  part. 

Your  hands,  outstretched  in  blessings  rare 

Upon  your  father's  head, 
Make  glad  my  heart  that  on  my  path 

Some  distant  beam  is  shed. 

J.  M. 

*Upon  receiving  a  picture  on  the  back  of  which  was  written, 

"My   name   is  "Laura   J and   I  am  just  140  days  old. 

How  old  are  You  ?" 


99 


MARGARET 

She  always  has  a  pleasant  word 

That  quickly  puts  the  shy  at  ease, 
And  by  her  quiet,  flowing  talk 

Is  sure  to  interest  and  please. 
Nor  do  her  thoughts  evaporate 

In  words,  while  seeing  others'  needs, 
For  many  a  time  her  kindly  thoughts 

Have  crystallized  in  kindly  deeds; 
Then  surely  we  should  wish  her  well 

And  ask  her  long  to  live  and  bless, 
And  trust  the  selfish  motive  hid 

She'll  be  too  kind  and  good  to  guess. 

J.  M, 

MY  VALENTINE 

Where  robins  in  the  early  spring 

Their  joyful  notes  repeat, 
Where  little  warblers,  glad  at  heart, 

Pour  forth  their  raptures  sweet, 
Where  lilies  each  day  bloom  afresh, 

Where  crimson  ramblers  twine, 
Where  Sharon's  roses  lift  their  heads, 

There  sings  my  valentine! 

The  birds,  with  pinions  far  outstretched, 

Have  sought  a  warmer  clime, 
The  blighted  flower  stalks  withered  stand; 

Not  so  my  valentine, 
For  when  the  winter's  fiercest  blast 

Bows  down  each  swaying  pine, 
When  snow  and  ice  have  bound  all  fast 

Then  sings  my  valentine. 

J.M. 

IOO 


MY  LADY 

My  lady  was  both  blithe  and  gay 
When  Fortune  smiled  upon  her, 

But  as  she  passed  upon  her  way 

I  could  not  know  that  she  was  brave. 

My  lady  was  both  blithe  and  gay 
When  Fortune  frowned  upon  her, 

And  as  she  passed  upon  her  way 

'Twas  then  I  knew  that  she  was  brave. 

J.  M. 

FEBRUARY  3,  1896. 

Ev'ry  limb  and  ev'ry  twig 

Is  laden  now  with  snow, 
The  highest  tree  top  spreads  apart 

And  bends  its  branches  low. 
The  fall  has  been  so  light  and  still 

That  ev'ry  flake  of  snow, 
Laid  by  the  Architect's  firm  will, 

Awaits  His  leave  to  go. 
Ev'ry  surface  slightly  rough 

Is  ornamented  freely 
With  forms  and  figures  rare  enough 

For  scenes  of  wondrous  beauty. 
Ev'ry  peak  is  builded  high, 

Each  nail-head  has  its  tower, — 
You  think  they'll  fall  as  you  draw  nigh, 

Not  so,  they've  some  air-braving  power. 
Each  picket's  made  so  slim  and  tall 

With  masonry  so  all  Divine, 
It  does  not  topple,  will  not  fall, 

For  not  a  flake  is  out  of  line. 


101 


This  snow  is  made  of  tiny  stars  — 

Seem  wrought  of  crystal  glass, 
And  ev'ry  child  has  had  this  thought 

As  through  the  air  he  sees  them  pass, 
"Who  made  them  all  ?"  O  wondrous  feat! 

"How  could  He  make  so  many  ?" 
And  ev'ry  one  made  so  complete 

There's  not  a  flaw  in  any. 
O  man,  God's  world  is  full  of  Him, 

See  God  in  all  this  grand  display, 
But  when  you  catch  a  glimpse  of  Him, 

He'll  bear  the  scene  away. 
In  mystery  Himself  He'll  hide, 

And  though  a  world  a  God  reveals, 
More  worlds  in  mystery  abide, 

Man  searches  out  v  hat  He  conceals, 

And  evermore  the  search  goes  on. 
Men  from  the  first  this  way  have  trod, 

New  truths  have  found,  new  triumphs  won, 
But  searching,  who  has  found  out  God  ? 

L.  S.  M. 


THE  SUN 

O  god  of  day! 
Resplendently  shining! 
There  is  nothing  can  live 
Without  thy  bright  ray; 
Greatest  and  humblest, 
All  of  life  are  deriving 
From  the  light  a^id  the  warmth 
Thou  dost  shed  on  their  way. 

102 


O  god  of  day! 
Resplendently  shining! 
The  land  we  are  seeking 
Needs  not  thy  bright  ray; 
In  each  secret  place 
Light  supernal  is  shining, 
All  things  glowing  radiant 
In  the  light  of  God's  Day. 

J.  M. 


INHERITANCE 

Each  landscape  wide,  each  flowing  tide, 

Each  flower  that  blows,  each  stream  that  flows, 

Each  fresh'ning  breeze  that  sways  the  trees, 

Each  wooded  glade,  each  forest  shade, 

Each  autumn  hue,  the  sunrise  new, 

Each  cloud  on  high,  the  deep  blue  sky, 

Each  frost  device,  the  sparkling  ice, 

Each  purple  sheen  in  nature  seen, 

Each  mountain  rise,  each  bird  that  flies, 

Each  cavern  deep,  the  rocky  steep, 

Each  mine  of  gold  with  wealth  untold, 

Each  precious  gem,  earth's  diadem, 

Will  ever  to  the  meek  belong, 

No  mortgagee  can  do  them  wrong; 

Title  deed  to  them  is  given, 

They  inherit  earth  and  heaven. 

J.  M. 


103 


SONGS 

At  morning  and  at  even 

The  birds  a  chorus  raise, 
And  many  are  the  songs  they  sing 

Throughout  the  sunny  days. 

Yet  all  the  feathered  songsters 

Ofttimes  will  cease  to  sing, 
Through  woodland  and  through  meadow  wide 

No  notes  of  gladness  ring. 

But  should  you  catch  the  singing 

Of  a  tiny  mountain  stream, 
You  may  hear  it  in  the  daytime 

You  may  hear  it  in  your  dream. 

And  when  its  bed  is  stony 

More  loudly  will  it  sing, 
And  when  the  rain  is  falling  fast 

Its  loudest  praises  ring. 

O  sing,  each  mountain  streamlet, 

O  sing,  through  bonnie  braes, 
Yes,  sing  through  all  the  nighttime, 

Yes,  sing  through  all  the  days! 

Though  other  voices  weary, 

Though  other  music  cease, 
The  liquid  sweetness  of  your  song 

Will  bring  a  tranquil  peace. 

Not  like  the  fitful  songsters 
Should  be  our  secret  song, 
But  like  the  little  mountain  brook 
Sing  on  through  right  or  wrong. 

J.  M. 
104 


IF  I  COULD,! 

If  I  could  catch  the  wood-thrush's  song, 

And  with  my  ink  and  pen, 
Could  make  those  notes  repeat  themselves 

And  thrill  the  hearts  of  men; 

If  I  could  gather  up  those  clouds, 

And  with  my  ink  and  pen, 
Could  make  the  golden,  fiery  hues 

Of  sunset  glow  again; 

If  I  could  catch  those  dashing  waves, 

And  with  my  ink  and  pen, 
Could  make  them  in  the  sunlight  dance, 

Their  colors  show  again; 

Why,  then  I'd  write,  nor  stay  my  hand 

Till  others  saw  and  heard 
The  sunset  sky,  the  ocean's  roar, 

The  music  of  the  bird. 

J.  M. 


105 


QUEEN  REASON 

Little  Queen  Reason  dwelt  in  a  castle  apart.  She  was 
the  happy  queen  of  a  noble  domain  and  no  subject  ques- 
tioned her  sovereignty.  Mistress  Will  instinctively  en- 
forced her  orders  and  all  the  Nerve  family  silently  obeyed. 
The  castle  re-echoed  the  song  of  birds  and  the  laughter  of 
little  children.  The  river  of  happiness  ran  through  the 
grounds. 

But  one  day  an  accident  befell  and,  to  the  surprise  and 
consternation  of  all,  the  entire  Nerve  family  rebelled. 

Desire  Nerve  led  the  rebellion  and  all  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Nerve  family  became  clamorous  and  insolent. 
Even  Mistress  Will,  thrown  off  her  guard  by  the  clamor 
and  confusion,  joined  the  rebels,  and  little  Queen  Reason, 
wellnigh  overpowered  by  the  revolt,  lay  upon  her  bed  in 
the  stillness  of  the  night  thinking.  "God  made  me  a 
Queen,"  she  said,  "it  must  be  not  only  my  right  but  my 
duty  to  reign."  Just  then,  hearing  a  little  sound  and 
guessing  that  Mistress  Will  wras  awake,  Queen  Reason 
confided  her  thought  to  her.  Mistress  Will,  loyal  at  heart, 
instantly  assented  and  they  arose  together  and  hand  in 
hand  went  to  the  throne.  Mistress  Will  put  Queen 
Reason  upon  it,  placing  the  crown  firmly  upon  her 
brow. 

When  the  Nerve  family  saw  Queen  Reason  sitting 
majestically  upon  her  throne,  her  crown  once  more  upon 
her  brow,  a  regal  look  in  face  and  eye,  and  Mistress  Will 

106 


strong  and  invincible  calmly  enforcing  each  command, 
you  would  have  laughed  to  see  them  skulk  and  scamper. 

The  Queen  summoned  them  into  her  presence  and 
spoke  to  each  and  all.  "In  the  past  I  have  found  you 
most  excellent  servants.  Your  reign  has  been  terrible. 
You  shall  never  rule  again;  henceforth  you  will  be  my 
obedient  subjects." 

The  river  of  happiness,  which  had  frozen  over  during 
the  revolt,  flowed  freely  again. 

In  the  halls  which  had  become  silent  the  music  burst 
forth.  Harmony  returned  and  through  long  years  Queen 
Reason  reigned  supreme. 

J.  M. 


107 


BOUND 

A  locomotive  stood  upon  the  track  fresh  from  the 
hands  of  the  builders.  In  every  part  was  enduring 
strength,  but  it  stood  cold  and  lifeless  without  power  to 
move.  The  boiler  was  supplied  with  water  from  a  neigh- 
boring lake  and  the  furnace  was  fired. 

The  water,  finding  herself  surrounded  by  iron  walls, 
was  filled  with  discontent.  "How  changed  everything 
is,"  she  thought.  "  When  I  was  in  the  lake  the  sun  kissed 
me,  I  was  the  mirror  of  the  moon,  and  in  the  springtime 
the  trees,  clad  in  their  robes  of  green,  were  reflected  from 
my  surface.  When  they  changed  their  garments,  decking 
themselves  in  robes  of  scarlet,  maroon,  and  gold,  they 
still  shone  in  my  depths;  and  when  in  their  row  boats  gay 
lads  and  lassies  made  the  air  ring  with  their  songs  and 
laughter  I  listened  to  their  voices."  "How  dark  it  is," 
she  murmured,  "and  how  hot  it  grows.  Oh,  oh,  oh,  I 
shall  fly  all  to  pieces,"  she  moaned. 

Even  as  she  spoke  both  her  form  and  name  were 
changed  and  ever  after  she  was  known  as  Steam.  The 
heat  grew  fiercer  and  Steam  pressed  with  all  her  power 
to  free  herself;  but  the  iron  walls,  still  unmoved,  held  her 
fast  while  she  hissed  and  screamed  in  her  rage. 

An  unseen  hand  opened  the  throttle;  the  engine  moved 
steadily  forward,  going  faster  and  faster,  speeding  along 
through  fields,  woods,  and  tunnels,  over  bridges,  moun- 
tains, and  valleys,  on  and  on.  "Oh,  when  I  was  in  the 

108 


fake,"  cried  Steam,  "and  the  soft  wind  ruffled  my  surface, 
and  the  waves  chased  each  other  into  the  distance,  then 
I  was  free;  and  when  the  wind  blew  fiercely  and  the  storm 
lashed  me  into  fury,  then  I  was  free!  free!  free!" 
shrieked  steam,  and  the  distant  hilltops  echoed,  "Free! 
free!" 

But  all  the  repining,  the  fierce  struggles  and  rebellion 
were  vain.  The  iron  walls  still  bound  her  fast;  but  as 
they  sped  along  Steam  grew  still,  ceasing  to  waste  her 
pent-up  energy  in  rebellion,  but  drove  the  engine  onward 
toward  the  great  city.  The  iron  walls  were  no  more 
yielding  than  before,  no  ray  of  light  penetrated  the  dark- 
ness, but  one  law  stamped  itself  upon  her  being:  Obey 
the  unseen  hand. 

The  speed  slackened  and  soon  they  stopped  under  the 
shelter  of  a  great  building  —  engine  and  coaches  drawn 
by  Steam.  The  people  poured  from  the  cars.  First 
came  a  judge,  who  for  years  had  held  the  scales  of  justice 
with  an  even  hand,  whose  decision  that  day  would  bring 
hope  and  freedom  to  thousands.  Among  the  throng  was 
a  physician  whose  fame  had  spread  through  two  conti- 
nents, who  would  do  a  work  that  day  no  other  hand  could 
do.  Lawyers,  merchants,  artisans,  young  men  and 
maidens  with  earnest  faces  on  their  way  to  the  universi- 
ties; men,  women,  and  children,  with  their  varied  pur- 
poses and  pursuits,  streamed  from  the  cars  and  were  lost 
in  the  life  of  the  great  city. 

Not  one  of  all  that  throng  even  thought  of  Steam;  nor 

log 


did  she  herself  ever  know  what  she  had  accomplished; 
but  a  human  need  had  been  met,  a  service  rendered  — 
a  service  possible  only  to  one  bound  fast  within  iron  walls. 

J.  M. 


no 


000  ^680 


